Chp 3_Basic Principles of Biomolecular Science

• Biomolecular Engineering


  A subset of Chemical Engineering that works on processing of chemical substances made by living organisms/enzymes
• Biomolecular science


  The study of the chemical components and processes that make up living organisms
• Topic Objectives


  • Understanding of biomolecules (DNA/RNA, protein, carbohydrate, lipid and others)
• Elements


  Fundamental building blocks of matter that make up all substances
• Bonds


  Interactions that hold atoms together to form molecules
• Molecular Structure


  The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms within a molecule
• Biomacromolecules

  • Proteins
  • Nucleic Acids
  • Lipids and Carbohydrates
• Proteins


  Large, complex molecules made up of amino acids that perform a wide variety of functions in living organisms
• Nucleic Acids


  Molecules that store and transmit genetic information, such as DNA and RNA
• Lipids and Carbohydrates


  Molecules that provide energy, structural support, and other vital functions in cells
• Glucose


  The primary source of energy for cellular processes
• Starch


  A polysaccharide that stores energy in plants
• Cellulose


  A structural polysaccharide that provides rigidity in plant cell walls
• Glycogen


  A polysaccharide that stores energy in animal cells
• Monosaccharides

  Single unit
• Polysaccharides


  More than ten units
• Oligosaccharides


  Two to ten units
• Disaccharide


  If two units
• Glucose


  Also known as dextrose, grape sugar or blood sugar. Level in blood can be as high as 1 g/L. Aldohexose sugar → 6 Cs and C=O group at the end. Most important and simplest sugar in our diet. Most abundant organic compound found in nature
• Fructose


  Also known as fruit or honey sugar. Ketohexose sugar → 6 Cs and a C=O group at the middle. Twice as sweet as glucose
• Galactose


  Obtained from fruits and veggies. Necessary to synthesize biomolecules, e.g. cell immune system and "messengers". Stereoisomer of glucose (4-epimer)
• Sucrose


  Table sugar – most common sugar in plants. Sugar cane and beet are up to 20 wt% sucrose. Disaccharide of -D-glucose and -D-fructose
• Monosaccharide Cyclization

  • OH, group of cyclic monosaccharides can form a link with one another (or more)
  • Often the link is formed at carbon 1 and 4 -- oxygen bridges
• Oligosaccharide Cyclization


  OH group of cyclic monosaccharides can form a link with one another (or more). Often the link is formed at carbon 1 and 4 -- oxygen bridges
• Lactose


  Milk sugar. Formed by link of of -D-galactose and either -D glucose or -D-glucose
• Starch


  Carbohydrate polymers – Water Insoluble. Energy storage (starch in plants, and glycogens in animals)
• Cellulose


  Structural polysaccharides. Used to provide protective walls or lubricative coating to cells
• Hydrolysis of Oligo- and Polysaccharides


  Breaking down complex sugars into single sugar units. Addition of a water molecule. Usually carried out in acidic condition (e.g. HCl) or with the help of enzymes (e.g. lactase)
• Carbohydrates provide a substantial portion of the food we eat. They provide energy for human engine. They are the most abundant biomolecule in nature (formed during photosynthesis). They are a key component of cell walls for bacterial and plant cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). They are a building unit for nucleic acids (DNA/RNA). They are an alternative raw material for chemical synthesis and bioenergy
• Types of Lipids

  • Phospholipids
  • Steroids
  • Triglycerides
  • Waxes
• Lipids


  A diverse group of biomolecules (organic macromolecules) that dissolve in non-polar solvents, but not in water. Some lipids are amphiphilic (chemical compounds possessing both hydrophilic (water-loving, polar) and lipophilic (hydrophobic, fat-loving) properties
• Fatty Acids

  Long chain (between 12-20 carbons) monocarboxylic acids. Always even number of C atoms. Can be saturated (no double bonds) or unsaturated
• Triacylglycerol

  Also called neutral fats (molecule is neutral). Can be solid or liquid at room temperature. Solid state → fats (saturated fats). Liquid state → oils (unsaturated fats). Provide energy storage and insulation
• Soap making (saponification)

  Triacylglycerol reacts with NaOH to form soap and glycerol
• Phospholipids

  • main structural component of cell membrane
• Triglyceride

  Energy storage / Insulation
• Signal Lipids

  • Isoprenoids - Vast array of biomolecules that contain repeating five carbon units known as isoprenes
  • Consist of Terpenes and Steroids
• Isoprenoids - Terpenes


  • Monoterpenes 10C atoms – 2 isoprene units
  • Diterpenes – 4 isoprene units
  • Tetraterpene – carotenoids (orange pigment found in most plants)
• Isoprenoids - Steroids (Cholesterol)


  • Usually found in cell membranes, important precursor for metabolic and digestion hormones
  • Associated with hardening of arteries, appears to coat arteries resulting in plaque formation
  • Results in increased blood pressure, narrowing of arteries, reduced ability to stretch, clot formation leading to myocardial infarction and stroke
• DNA


  Stores and transmits genetic information