SCI10 Q4 MOD2

What Are Biomolecules?

Definition: Biomolecules are substances made by cells and living things, necessary for growth and keeping healthy.

Elements Present: Usually made up of elements called CHNOPS: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), and Sulfur (S).

Major Classes:

1. Carbohydrates

   • Composition: Made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

   • Commonly Known As: Sugars, which come in different sizes.

   • Structure: Made of smaller units (monomers) connected to make bigger chains (polymers).

   • Examples: Lactose (milk sugar), sucrose (table sugar).

   • Functions:

     • Source of energy.

     • Give structure: cellulose makes plants strong, while starch and glycogen store energy in plants and animals.

2. Proteins

   • Composition: Made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

   • Structure: Chains of amino acids called polypeptides.

   • Roles:

     • Building blocks of the body (e.g., hair, muscles).

     • Enzymes that help chemical reactions, important for energy use and cell functions.

3. Lipids

   • Definition: A diverse group including fats, oils, waxes, and hormones.

   • Properties: Do not mix with water (hydrophobic).

   • Functions:

     • Store energy.

     • Provide protection (like wax on skin).

     • Help with hormones (like estrogen affecting reproduction).

4. Nucleic Acids

   • Definition: Long chains that break down into phosphoric acid, sugars, and bases.

   • Key Types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).

   • Function:

     • Carry information that helps to make proteins and decide how traits are passed down.

     • Made of nucleotides which include a sugar, phosphate group, and a base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine/uracil).

Summary of Biomolecules:

Conclusion: Knowing about biomolecules is very important to understand how they help make up and keep living things functioning.