Major Biomolecules

Biomolecules

Organic compounds essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Common Elements

Key elements in organisms:Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), Hydrogen (H).

Carbohydrates

Most abundant organic compounds, primarily found in plants, serving as energy sources.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that are the smallest carbohydrate units and provide immediate energy.

Disaccharides

Formed by two monosaccharides joined by a glycosidic bond through a condensation reaction.

Polysaccharides

Composed of three or more monosaccharides, serving as energy storage and structural components.

Starch

A polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in plants.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide that serves as energy storage in animals.

Cellulose

A structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls, used in fabrics and paper.

Lipids

Biomolecules made of hydrocarbon chains, serving as long-term energy storage and insulation.

Triglycerides

Lipids made of glycerol and three fatty acids, important for energy storage.

Saturated Fats

Solid at room temperature, found in animal fats, associated with health risks.

Unsaturated Fats

Liquid at room temperature, found in plant oils, considered healthier.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form cell membranes with hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.

Proteins

Essential biomolecules that function as enzymes, antibodies, and hormones.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, consisting of an amino group, carboxylic acid group, and R group.

Primary Structure

The linear sequence of amino acids in a protein.

Secondary Structure

Initial folding of proteins into alpha helices and beta-pleated sheets.

Tertiary Structure

The three-dimensional shape of a protein due to R group interactions.

Quaternary Structure

The combination of multiple polypeptide chains to form a functional protein.

Nucleic Acids

Large biomolecules made of nucleotides, essential for storing and transmitting genetic information.

DNA

Double-stranded nucleic acid that carries instructions for protein synthesis.

RNA

Single-stranded nucleic acid involved in protein synthesis, with types including mRNA, tRNA, and rRNA.

ATP

Nucleotide that serves as the cell's energy currency, releasing energy when phosphate bonds break.