bio-2

Overview of Organic Molecules

  • Organic molecules are essential for life and are categorized into micromolecules and macromolecules.

Micromolecules

  • Definition: Small organic molecules.

Types and Examples

  • Water (N₂O)

    • Locations:

      • Blood Plasma

      • Cytoplasm

    • Examples:

      • Ice

      • Steam

      • Clouds

      • Vapor

    • Functions:

      • Solvent for biochemical reactions

      • Temperature regulation

      • Transportation of nutrients

  • Electrolytes (Ions)

    • Locations:

      • Muscle cells

      • Nerve cells

    • Examples:

      • Sodium (Na⁺)

      • Potassium (K⁺)

      • Chloride (Cl⁻)

      • Calcium (Ca²⁺)

    • Functions:

      • Maintain ionic balance

      • Facilitate nerve impulses

      • Regulate osmotic pressure

  • Acids

    • Locations:

      • Stomach

      • Lysosomes

    • Examples:

      • Hydrochloric acid

      • Nitric acid

      • Sulfuric acid

      • Hydrobromic acid

    • Functions:

      • pH regulation

      • Digestive processes

      • Buffer systems in blood

  • Bases

    • Locations:

      • Blood

      • Pancreas

    • Examples:

      • Sodium hydroxide (NaOH)

      • Potassium hydroxide (KOH)

      • Calcium hydroxide (Ca(OH)₂)

    • Functions:

      • Same as Acids

  • Carbohydrates

    • Types:

      • Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose)

      • Polysaccharides (e.g., glycogen)

    • Locations:

      • Liver

      • Blood

    • Examples:

      • Sugar

      • Starch

      • Fiber

      • Glucose

    • Functions:

      • Energy storage

      • Structural support

      • Provide energy during respiration

  • Lipids

    • Types:

      • Fatty acids and glycerol

      • Triglycerides, phospholipids

    • Locations:

      • Adipose Tissue

      • Cell Membranes

    • Examples:

      • Triglycerides

      • Cholesterol

      • Phospholipids

      • Steroids

    • Functions:

      • Energy storage

      • Insulation

      • Structural components of membranes

  • Proteins

    • Types:

      • Amino Acids

      • Polypeptides

    • Locations:

      • Muscles

      • Enzymes

    • Examples:

      • Hemoglobin

      • Keratin

      • Collagen

      • Enzymes (e.g., amylase)

    • Functions:

      • Catalysis (enzymes)

      • Structural support

      • Transport of molecules (e.g., oxygen)

Macromolecules

  • Definition: Large organic molecules formed from smaller ones.

Nucleic Acids

  • Building Blocks: Nucleotides (e.g., A, T, C, G, U)

  • Types: DNA and RNA

  • Locations:

    • Nucleus

    • Cytoplasm

  • Examples:

    • DNA

    • RNA

    • ATP (energy molecule)

    • cAMP

  • Functions:

    • Genetic information storage

    • Protein synthesis

    • Energy transfer (ATP)