Biomolecules: The Building Blocks of Life Quiz

Study Notes

Biomolecules: The Building Blocks of Life

Biomolecules are complex organic substances produced by living organisms, playing diverse roles in life's intricate machinery. They include carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins, each with distinctive functions and chemical properties.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates, such as sugars and cellulose, serve as sources of energy, structural components, and regulatory molecules. Glycans, sugar chains attached to other biomolecules, are essential in cell signaling and recognition.

Lipids

Lipids, including fats and phospholipids, form membranes surrounding cells and organelles, and store energy. Some lipids act as signaling molecules and are vital for life.

Nucleic Acids

DNA and RNA are the building blocks of genetic information. DNA stores this information, and RNA carries it to the sites of synthesis. Modified RNA molecules, like glycoRNA, are newly discovered and may contribute to autoimmune diseases.

Proteins

Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, performing diverse functions such as catalyzing biochemical reactions, transporting molecules, and providing structural support. Proteins are made up of amino acids, and the human body uses only 20 different amino acids.

Biomolecules are the result of evolution's problem-solving methods, and their diverse forms and functions have inspired biotechnology and nanotechnology. For example, the immune system uses flexible linkages in proteins to enhance multivalent binding for recognition and neutralization of foreign substances.

Exploring Biomolecules

Researchers have developed innovative methods, such as bioorthogonal chemistry, to study biomolecules in their natural environments. For instance, Stanford researchers discovered glycoRNA, sugar-decorated RNA molecules, by using bioorthogonal chemistry to visualize their interactions.

Understanding biomolecules at the molecular level has led to new applications and technologies, and their study continues to reveal the intricate and fascinating world of life's building blocks.