Biomolecules

• Monomer

  A building block - the parts that make up a larger substance
• 4 major biomolecules that make up all of life

  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic acids
• Carbohydrates

  A source of energy, with the monomer being a monosaccharide
• Foods high in carbohydrates

  • Pasta
  • Breads
• Carbohydrates are a great, fast source of energy
• Marathon runners often "pasta load" the night before a race to consume a lot of carbs
• Lipids

  Also known as fats, with monomers of fatty acids and glycerol. Lipids can store long-term energy and insulate, and make up cell membranes.
• Examples of lipids

  • Butter
  • Oil
  • Cholesterol
• Excessive lipids can be bad for health, so moderation is important
• Proteins

  Important for muscle development, immune system, and as enzymes. The monomers are amino acids.
• Proteins are coded for by DNA and are important for structure and function in the body
• Nucleic acids

  Include DNA and RNA, with the monomer being a nucleotide. Involved in genetic information and coding of traits.
• Any type of life must contain nucleic acids like DNA to direct the cells' activities
• Mnemonic device for remembering the elements in the 4 biomolecules

  CHO, CHO, CHON, CHONP