Biomolecules

• Biomolecules


  Also known as macromolecules. Large molecules needed for life.
• Classes of biomolecules


  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic Acids
• Monomer


  Building block of larger molecules
• Carbohydrates


  Food sources high in carbohydrates include bread, pasta, fruit, and vegetables
• Monosaccharide


  The monomer of carbohydrates, e.g. glucose
• Disaccharide


  Two monosaccharides combined, e.g. maltose
• Polysaccharide


  Many monosaccharides combined into a large carbohydrate
• Carbohydrates


  • Plants have cell walls of carbohydrates like cellulose
  • Fungi have cell walls of carbohydrates like chitin
  • Carbohydrates are a major energy source for cells
• Lipids


  Include fats and oils, have building blocks of glycerol and fatty acids, generally hydrophobic
• Lipids


  • Make up cell membrane structure
  • Are a source of long-term energy storage
  • Provide insulation, e.g. myelin sheath, blubber
  • Act as hormones
• Proteins


  Food sources include beans, meat, nuts, and eggs. The monomer is an amino acid.
• Proteins


  • Make up tissue structures like muscle
  • Found embedded in cell membranes as channels and receptors
  • Most enzymes are made of proteins
  • Antibodies and some hormones are proteins
  • Genes code for proteins
• Nucleic acids

  Include DNA and RNA, the monomer is a nucleotide
• Nucleic acids

  • Contain the genetic information to direct cell activities
• Biomolecules can be remembered with the mnemonic CHO, CHO, CHON, CHONP, representing the major elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus