Biomolecules Overview: Chapters 1-6 Notes

Monomer: monosaccharide
Example: glucose
Role: quick energy source; end product of cellular respiration is ATP
Disaccharides and polysaccharides: disaccharides form from joining monosaccharides (e.g., maltose); polysaccharides form from many monosaccharides
Major storage/structural polysaccharides: starch (plants), glycogen (animals); cellulose (plant cell walls); chitin (fungi/insects)
Summary: carbohydrates are a fast energy source and provide structural support in some organisms

Building blocks: glycerol and fatty acids (common basic structure); many lipids are hydrophobic
Major types: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids
Key features: hydrophobic components; not water-soluble in general
Functions: membrane structure (phospholipid bilayer); long-term energy storage; insulation (e.g., myelin sheath, blubber); some lipids act as hormones

Monomer: amino acids
Structure: proteins form muscle and other tissues; collagen; embedded membrane proteins (channels)
Functions: enzymes; receptors for cell signaling; antibodies; hormones (e.g., insulin)
Genetics: genes code for proteins; DNA provides the instructions for protein synthesis

Monomer: nucleotide
Types: DNA and RNA
Presence in food: nucleic acids can be present in foods derived from living organisms
Roles: store and transmit genetic information; guide the synthesis of proteins and other cellular activities

Elements commonly found in biomolecules: C, H, O, N, P
Mnemonic: CHO CHO CHO CHON CHOMP to remember the major elements (C, H, O, N, P)
Note: other elements can be present, but these are the major building blocks that influence structure and function