Lecture Notes on Biomolecules

Introduction

• Importance of food: source of large molecules needed for life called biomolecules.
• Focus on 4 major biomolecules.

Key Vocabulary: Monomer

• Monomer: Building block of larger substances.
• Essential for understanding what biomolecules are made of.

The 4 Major Biomolecules

1. Carbohydrates (Carbs)

• Common examples: pasta, bread.
• Function: Quick source of energy.
  • Example: Marathon runners do "pasta loading" before races.
• Monomer: Monosaccharide (single sugar unit).

2. Lipids (Fats)

• Types of building blocks:
  • Fatty acids
  • Glycerol
• Common examples: butter, oil, cholesterol.
• Functions:
  • Insulation (e.g., blubber in seals).
  • Long-term energy storage.
  • Important for cell membranes.
  • Note: Excessive lipids can negatively affect health.

3. Proteins

• Common sources: meats, beans.
• Function:
  • Muscle building.
  • Immune system support.
  • Enzymatic activities (enzymes are proteins).
• Monomer: Amino acids.
  • Protein content often labeled in foods.

4. Nucleic Acids

• Types: DNA and RNA.
• Monomer: Nucleotide.
• Function: Genetic information coding for traits.
  • Found in all living organisms.
  • Example: Eating strawberries includes consuming DNA from the cells.

Structure of Biomolecules

• Important for predicting properties and functions.
• Mnemonic Device:
  • CHO, CHO, CHON, CHONP
    • C: Carbon
    • H: Hydrogen
    • O: Oxygen
    • N: Nitrogen (present in proteins and nucleic acids)
    • P: Phosphorous (present in nucleic acids)
• Structure impacts function.
• Suggested exploration:
  • Look up biomolecule arrangement illustrations online.

Conclusion

• Presentation by Amoeba Sisters encourages curiosity about biomolecules and their importance in life.