Biomolecules and Their Properties

• Biomolecules are categorized into four main types: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, each with unique properties.
• Carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources and structural components in cells.
• Proteins function as enzymes, hormones, and structural support within organisms, determined by their amino acid sequences and structures.
• Lipids are essential for energy storage, cell membrane formation, and signaling molecules.
• Nucleic acids carry genetic information; DNA stores it, while RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.

Protein Structures and Examples

• Primary structure refers to the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain.
• Secondary structure includes alpha helices and beta sheets formed by hydrogen bonding between backbone atoms.
• Tertiary structure represents the overall 3D shape of a protein, determined by interactions between R-groups of amino acids.
• Quaternary structure consists of multiple polypeptide chains assembling into a functional protein complex.

Amino Acid Functional Groups

• Amino groups (-NH2) play a crucial role in forming peptide bonds and determining amino acid properties.
• Carboxyl groups (-COOH) contribute to the acidity and reactivity of amino acids.
• Side chains (R-groups) determine the unique characteristics and functions of each amino acid, including polarity and charge.

Components and Their Descriptions

• Enzymes are proteins that catalyze biochemical reactions, lowering the activation energy required.
• Substrates are the reactants that enzymes act upon.
• Cofactors are non-protein molecules that assist enzymes in their function.

Functional Groups and Their Roles

• Hydroxyl groups (-OH) increase solubility in water and are involved in dehydration and hydrolysis reactions.
• Carbonyl groups (C=O) are found in sugars and affect molecular reactivity.
• Carboxyl groups (-COOH) illustrate acidic properties in biomolecules.

Properties of Biomolecules

• Solubility varies with chemical structure; polar molecules dissolve well in water, while non-polar molecules do not.
• Stability impacts the longevity and functionality of biomolecules, influenced by their molecular composition.
• Reactivity determines how biomolecules interact with other molecules, critical for metabolic processes.

Types and Descriptions

• Macromolecules are large complexes made from smaller subunits known as monomers.
• Polymers are formed through dehydration synthesis, linking monomers by covalent bonds.
• Monosaccharides, amino acids, nucleotides, and fatty acids are the fundamental building blocks of carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids, respectively.

Roles/Functions and Descriptions

• Enzymes speed up chemical reactions, making them essential for metabolic pathways.
• Structural proteins provide support and shape to cells and tissues.
• Signaling molecules facilitate communication within and between cells.

Macromolecules and Their Subunits

• Carbohydrates are polysaccharides made from monosaccharide units.
• Proteins are polymers made from amino acid subunits.
• Nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, are long chains of nucleotides.

Macromolecule Functions

• Carbohydrates primarily serve as energy sources.
• Proteins are critical for biological functions and structural integrity.
• Nucleic acids carry genetic blueprints for heredity and protein synthesis.

Macromolecule Linkages

• Glycosidic bonds link monosaccharides to form carbohydrates.
• Peptide bonds connect amino acids, forming proteins.
• Phosphodiester bonds link nucleotides in nucleic acids.

Main Functional Groups of Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates contain hydroxyl (-OH) and carbonyl (C=O) groups.
• Proteins contain amino (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) groups.
• Nucleic acids feature phosphate (PO4) groups.

Key Properties of Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates provide quick energy and are readily digestible.
• Proteins exhibit diverse functions based on their structure.
• Lipids serve as energy reserves and waterproof barriers.

Polymer Formation Reactions

• Dehydration synthesis creates polymers from monomers by releasing water molecules.
• Hydrolysis cleaves polymers into monomers, requiring water molecules.