Lecture on Biomolecules

Introduction

• Favorite foods as a starting point: pizza, macaroni and cheese, chicken salad, sushi.
• Food is made up of biomolecules - large molecules essential for life.
• Four major biomolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids.
• Key term: Monomer - a building block of larger substances.

Biomolecules Overview

Carbohydrates

• Common in diets (e.g., pasta, bread).
• Function: Fast source of energy.
  • Example: Marathon runners consume carbs for energy (pasta loading).
• Monomer: Monosaccharide.

Lipids

• Known as fats, examples include butter, oil, and cholesterol.
• Building Blocks: Fatty acids and glycerol.
• Functions:
  • Insulation (e.g., blubber in harp seals).
  • Long-term energy storage (e.g., swimming long distances).
  • Component of cell membranes.
• Note on moderation for health.

Proteins

• Common in power bars, meats, beans.
• Monomer: Amino acids.
• Functions:
  • Muscle building.
  • Immune system support.
  • Enzymatic activity.
• DNA codes for proteins vital for body structure and function.

Nucleic Acids

• Includes DNA and RNA.
• Monomer: Nucleotide.
• Functions:
  • Genetic information and trait coding.
  • Found in foods derived from living things (e.g., strawberries).
• Essential for directing cell activities.

Structure of Biomolecules

• Importance of structure for predicting properties and identification.
• Suggested mnemonic device: CHO, CHO, CHON, CHOMP
  • "CHO" for Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen.
  • "CHON" for proteins (adds Nitrogen).
  • "CHOMP" for nucleic acids (adds Phosphorus).
• Element arrangement impacts biomolecule function.

Conclusion

• Explore biomolecule structures to understand their function.
• Encouragement to stay curious and explore further.