Biomolecules

Biomolecules

Organic molecules essential for life, serving as building blocks of living organisms and playing critical roles in biological processes.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as primary energy sources and structural components.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars, such as glucose and fructose, that are the basic units of carbohydrates.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates formed by two monosaccharides, examples include sucrose and lactose.

Polysaccharides

Long chains of monosaccharides, such as starch and glycogen, serving as energy storage and structural support.

Proteins

Biomolecules made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds, functioning as catalysts, structural supports, transporters, and immune responders.

Amino Acids

The building blocks of proteins, linked together by peptide bonds.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as catalysts to speed up biochemical reactions.

Collagen

A structural protein that provides support in connective tissues.

Hemoglobin

A protein that transports oxygen in the blood.

Antibodies

Proteins involved in the immune response to identify and neutralize pathogens.

Levels of Protein Structure

The four levels include primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha helices and beta sheets), tertiary (3D folding), and quaternary (multiple polypeptide chains).

Lipids

Hydrophobic biomolecules primarily composed of hydrocarbons, serving functions in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling.

Triglycerides

A type of lipid used for energy storage, composed of glycerol and fatty acids.

Phospholipids

Major components of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty acids and a phosphate group.

Steroids

A class of lipids that includes hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

Nucleic Acids

Polymers made of nucleotide monomers, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information.

DNA

Deoxyribonucleic Acid, a double helix structure that contains the genetic blueprint of an organism.

RNA

Ribonucleic Acid, a single-stranded molecule involved in protein synthesis.