Essential Biomolecules of Life

Four major biomolecules

Four major biomolecules

1. Carbohydrates

2. Lipids

3. Proteins

4. Nucleic Acids

Classification of Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides

Disaccharides

Polysaccharides

Monosaccharides include..

1. Glucose

2. Fructose

3. Galactose

Disaccharides include ….

1. Sucrose

2. Lactose

3. Galactose

How are disaccharides formed?

They are formed by joining two monosaccharides

How many units are in polysaccharides?

More than 10 units

Important examples of polysaccharides

1. Cellulose: is an important structural fibre for plants

2. Glycogen: Broken down into glucose (and is made from glucose monomers)

The main function of carbs is too.

Store energy

Provide structural support

The main function of Lipids is to..

store energy

provide barriers especially in the cellular structure

The main function of Proteins is to..

Transport substances

speed reactions

Provide structural support

Cell growth

The function of nucleic acids is to..

Store and communicate genetic information

What are lipids made out of and what to they make up?

Mostly carbon and hydrogen and make up the fats, oils, waxes.

Two properties of lipids..

• Not water soluble

• Soluble in organic solvents

Essential Lipids..

Steroids

What are steroids?

• Substances such as Cholesterol/hormones

Steroids are..

a starting point for other necessary lipids such as vitamin D and the hormones estrogen and testosterone.

Proteins are made out of..

amino acids

Myosin is a type of protein that is

directly involved in the ability of muscle to contract and to relax

converts chemical energy in the form of ATP to mechanical energy, thus generating force and movement.

What parts of the body is made up of proteins?

• Muscles

• Skin

• Hair

15% of the total body mass

Why are proteins important in cell?

• Speed up chemical reactions

• Control cell growth

• communicate signals between cells

• provide structural suppor

Nucleic acids..

store and transmit genetic information.

Two types of nucleic acid:

DNA and RNA

Subunits of nucleic acids..

Carbon

Nitrogen

Oxygen

Phosphorus

Hydrogen

Another word for the subunits

nucleotides

THe importance

• contains DNA found in all living organisms

• DNA controls all the cellular activities

• RNA is involved in protein synthesis