Biomolecules

Carbohydrates

Aka sugars; primary energy source of the body, composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Monosaccharides

The simplest form of carbohydrates; building blocks for more complex sugars and used in cellular respiration.

Glucose

Often used in IV drips for patients with low blood sugar.

Fructose

The sweetest natural sugar found in fruits and processed foods.

Galactose

A sugar found in dairy products and important for brain development in infants.

Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides connected by a glycosidic bond via dehydration synthesis.

Sucrose

A disaccharide made of glucose and fructose; commonly known as table sugar.

Lactose

A disaccharide made of galactose and glucose, found in dairy, that provides energy for infants.

Polysaccharides

Complex carbohydrates made of many sugar units; used for energy storage and structural support.

Starch

A polysaccharide that serves as the main energy storage in plants, easily broken down for energy in humans.

Glycogen

A polysaccharide stored in liver and muscles, serving as an energy reserve.

Cellulose

A polysaccharide that makes up plant cell walls and cannot be digested by humans; provides fiber in the diet.

Lipids

Fats, oils, steroids, etc.; serve as hydrophobic energy reserves and can be used when carbohydrates are low.

Triglycerides

Building blocks of lipids made of glycerol and three fatty acid chains; serve as long-term energy storage.

Saturated fats

Fats that raise both good and bad cholesterol; solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated fats

Heart-healthy fats that lower bad cholesterol; liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Lipids that make up cell membranes; composed of glycerol, two fatty acids, and a phosphate group.

Steroids

Lipids made of four fused carbon rings; regulate metabolism, immune function, and hormone production.

Proteins

Building blocks of the body, responsible for enzymatic reactions, transport, and structural support.

Amino acids

Building blocks of proteins; linked together by peptide bonds.

Essential amino acids

Nine amino acids that must be consumed in the diet because the body cannot produce them.

Nucleic Acids

Genetic material that stores and transmits genetic information; composed of nucleotides.

DNA

Double helix structure that stores genetic information and is stable for replication.

RNA

Single-stranded nucleic acid that helps in protein synthesis.

ATP

Adenosine triphosphate; the direct energy carrier in cells, considered the cell's energy currency.