Lecture on Biomolecules

Introduction

• Focus on biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.
• Importance to the structure and function of cells and organisms.
• Key term: Monomer - the building block of biomolecules.

Carbohydrates

• Found in foods like bread, pasta, fruits, and vegetables.
• Monomer: Monosaccharide (e.g., glucose).
  • Glucose used in cellular respiration to produce ATP.
• Disaccharides: Formed by two monosaccharides (e.g., maltose).
• Polysaccharides: Many monosaccharides together (e.g., cellulose, chitin).
• Functions:
  • Energy source for cells (e.g., glucose).
  • Structural component in plants (cellulose) and fungi (chitin).
  • Energy storage (starch in plants, glycogen in animals).

Lipids

• Examples include butter, olive oil.
• Diverse group: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids.
• Generally hydrophobic.
• Functions:
  • Cell membrane structure (phospholipid bilayer).
  • Long-term energy storage.
  • Insulation (thermal and electrical).
  • Hormones (chemical messengers).

Proteins

• Found in beans, meat, nuts, eggs.
• Monomer: Amino acids.
• Functions:
  • Structural (muscle tissue, hair, collagen).
  • Embedded in cell membranes (protein channels, receptors).
  • Enzymes for metabolic processes.
  • Antibodies for immune protection.
  • Hormones like insulin.
  • Genes often code for proteins.

Nucleic Acids

• Include DNA and RNA.
• Monomer: Nucleotide.
• Present in all life forms (plants, animals, fungi, bacteria).
• Functions:
  • Contains genetic information (DNA/RNA).
  • Necessary for coding traits.

Recap

• Mnemonic for elements in biomolecules: CHO-CHO-CHON-CHON-P
  • C: Carbon
  • H: Hydrogen
  • O: Oxygen
  • N: Nitrogen
  • P: Phosphorus
• Structure of biomolecules impacts their function.

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Closing

• Encouraged to stay curious and explore further reading.