Biomolecules

Definition

Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life. They are the building blocks of living organisms and play critical roles in biological processes.

Types of Biomolecules

Biomolecules can be categorized into four main types:

1. Carbohydrates

• Structure: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).

• Function:

  • Primary energy source (e.g., glucose).

  • Structural components (e.g., cellulose in plants).

• Types:

  • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose).

  • Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).

  • Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen).

2. Proteins

• Structure: Made up of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.

• Function:

  • Catalysts (enzymes).

  • Structural support (collagen).

  • Transport (hemoglobin).

  • Immune response (antibodies).

• Levels of Structure:

  • Primary: Sequence of amino acids.

  • Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets.

  • Tertiary: 3D folding.

  • Quaternary: Multiple polypeptide chains.

3. Lipids

• Structure: Hydrophobic molecules, primarily composed of hydrocarbons.

• Function:

  • Energy storage (triglycerides).

  • Structural components of cell membranes (phospholipids).

  • Signaling molecules (steroids).

• Types:

  • Fats and Oils: Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids.

  • Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes.

  • Steroids: Hormones like testosterone and estrogen.

4. Nucleic Acids

• Structure: Polymers made of nucleotide monomers.

• Function:

  • Storage and transmission of genetic information (DNA).

  • Protein synthesis (RNA).

• Types:

  • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double helix structure, contains genetic blueprint.

  • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Single-stranded