Biomolecules

• Bio-molecules


  Molecules present in a living organism that are fundamental building blocks of living organisms and support biological processes essential for life

  
• Bio-molecules


  • carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic-acids, lipids, enzymes, vitamins

  
• Carbohydrates


  Involved in energy storage

  
• Hormones

  Catalyse biochemical reactions
• DNA/RNA


  Store/transmit genetic codes of a living being
• Proteins

  Involved in body building
• Lateral Gene transfer between Humans
• Inadequate concentration of biomolecules leads to health ailments
• Presence of biomolecules in appropriate concentrations is vital for proper function of living beings
• Bio molecular engineering


  Application of engineering principles and practices to the purposeful manipulation of molecules of biological origin
• Bio molecular engineering gave valuable solutions to issues and problems in the life sciences related to the environment, agriculture, energy, industry, food production biotechnology and medicine
• Herceptin, a humanized Mab for breast cancer treatment, became the first drug designed by a bio molecular engineering
• Research in bio molecular engineering may lead to new drug discoveries, improved therapies, and advancement in new bioprocess technology
• DNA fingerprinting is based on the study of bio-molecules and widely used in forensic laboratories for identification of criminals, determine paternity of an individual or in the research of biological evolution
• Software-defined Bio sensing
• Proteins

  Polymers of α-amino acids that are essential for growth and maintenance of a living being
• Amino acids

  Contain an amino (–NH2) and carboxyl (–COOH) functional groups
• Peptide bond


  Linkage/bond between molecules of amino acids
• Denaturation of proteins


  Change in the biological activity of a protein due to change in the ambient temperature or pH level
• Denaturation of proteins


  • Curdling of milk, coagulation of egg white on boiling
• Protein structure

  • Sets the foundation for its interaction with other molecules in the body and determines its function
• Primary protein structure

  Simple sequencing of the protein
• Secondary protein structure

  Depends on the local interactions between parts of a protein chain, which can affect the folding and three-dimensional shape of the protein
• α-helix

  1. H groups in the backbone form a hydrogen bond with the C=O group of the amino acid 4 residues earlier in the helix
• β-pleated sheet

  1. H groups in the backbone of one strand form hydrogen bonds with C=O groups in the backbone of a fully extended strand next to it
• Tertiary structure

  The overall three-dimensional shape of the protein, after the secondary interactions
• Quaternary protein structure

  The orientation and arrangement of subunits in proteins with multi-subunits
• Proteins fold up into specific shapes according to the sequence of amino acids in the polymer, and the protein function is directly related to the resulting 3D structure
• Proteins may also interact with each other or other macromolecules in the body to create complex assemblies
• Proteins

  • Some are quite rigid, whereas others are somewhat flexible. These characteristics also fit the function of the protein
• Protein functions

  • Act as catalysts
  • Transport other molecules
  • Store other molecules
  • Provide mechanical support
  • Provide immune protection
  • Generate movement
  • Transmit nerve impulses
  • Control cell growth and differentiation
• Any change to a protein at any structural level, including slight changes in the folding and shape of the protein, may render it non-functional
• Keratin


  An ubiquitous biological material, represents a group of insoluble, usually high-sulfur content and filament-forming proteins, constituting the bulk of epidermal appendages
• α-keratins

  • Found in all vertebrates, form the hair (including wool), outer layer of skin, horns, nails, claws and hooves of mammals and the slime threads of hagfish
• β-keratins

  • Found only in living reptiles and birds, found in the nails, scales, and claws of reptiles
• The human genome encodes 54 functional keratin genes, located in two clusters on chromosomes 12 and 17
• Functions of keratin


  • Strengthens hair
  • Coats and repairs damaged hair
  • Maintains healthy skin
  • Skin pigmentation and protection
  • Toughens nails and bony structures
• Fibrin


  A fibrous, non-globular protein involved in the clotting of blood
• Formation of fibrin clot


  Enzymatic reaction between thrombin and fibrinogen, the key proteins involved in blood clotting, causes polymerization of fibrin which together with platelets forms a haemostatic plug or clot over a wound site
• Fibrin supports extensive cell growth and proliferation, plays a significant role in wound healing and has been used in the fabrication of skin grafts