Functions of different Biomolecules (#2)

Biomolecules

Large organic molecules essential for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

Monomer

The basic building blocks of macromolecules.

Carbohydrates

Biomolecules that provide energy; examples include sugar, bread, pasta, and fruits.

Carbohydrate Composition

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Fast Energy Source

Carbohydrates serve as a quick energy source for cells, stored as polysaccharides like starch and glycogen.

Monosaccharide

The simplest form of carbohydrates; examples include sugar and glucose.

Disaccharide

A carbohydrate formed from two monosaccharides.

Polysaccharide

A large carbohydrate made up of many monosaccharides; serves as a major energy source.

Lipids

Biomolecules used for long-term energy storage, hormone production, and vitamin absorption; examples include fats and oils.

Lipid Diversity

Includes triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids.

Phospholipids

Lipids that form the structural component of cell membranes.

Lipid Composition

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically in a 1:2 ratio.

Hydrophobic

Lipids are generally hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix with water.

Lipid Monomers

Glycerol and fatty acids are the building blocks of lipids.

Proteins

Biomolecules that build and repair tissues; examples include beans, meat, nuts, and eggs.

Protein Functions

Include structural roles, enzyme activity, and immune response.

Protein Composition

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

Amino Acids

The monomers of proteins; there are 20 essential amino acids.

Nucleic Acids

Biomolecules that carry genetic information and instructions for protein synthesis; include DNA and RNA.

Nucleic Acid Composition

Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Nucleotide

The monomer of nucleic acids.

Hydrolysis

A chemical process that breaks down compounds by adding water, converting polymers into monomers.

Dehydration Synthesis

A process that joins monomers to form polymers by removing water.

Enzymes

Proteins that act as biological catalysts to speed up chemical reactions.

Catalysts

Substances that increase the rate of a reaction and can be reused.

Enzyme Naming

Most enzymes end in “-ase” (e.g., lactase).

Active Site

The region on an enzyme where substrates bind and reactions occur.

Substrate

The surface or material on which an organism lives, including both biotic and abiotic components.

Induced Fit Theory

The concept that enzyme shape changes upon substrate binding, enhancing catalytic activity.

Cofactors & Coenzymes

Molecules that assist enzymes in catalyzing reactions.