Biomolecules

• Biomolecules


  Large molecules that are needed for life
• 4 major biomolecules

  • Carbohydrates
  • Lipids
  • Proteins
  • Nucleic Acids
• Monomer


  Building block of larger molecules
• Carbohydrates


  • Important source of energy
  • Monomer is monosaccharide
• Foods high in carbohydrates

  • Pasta
  • Breads
• Lipids

  • Also known as fats
  • Monomers are fatty acids and glycerol
  • Good for insulation and long-term energy storage
  • Make up cell membranes
• Lipids

  • Butter
  • Oil
  • Cholesterol
• Proteins

  • Important for muscle development
  • Monomers are amino acids
  • Also important for immune system and as enzymes
  • Coded for by DNA
• Foods high in protein

  • Meats
  • Beans
• Nucleic Acids

  • Include DNA and RNA
  • Monomers are nucleotides
  • Contain genetic information
• Any type of life must contain nucleic acids like DNA to direct the cells' activities
• CHO, CHO, CHON, CHONP

  Mnemonic device for remembering the major elements in the 4 biomolecules (carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus)
• The structure of the biomolecule arrangement greatly impacts the biomolecule function
• +

  To show combination of reactants or products
• (s), (l), (g), (aq)

  (s)-solid (l)-liquid (g)-gas (aq)-aqueous (substance is dissolved in water)
• Heat


  Indicates that heat is supplied to the reaction
• Δ

  Reversible reaction
• Pt


  A formula written above or below the yield sign indicates its use as a catalyst or solvent