Biology
Anatomy
Carbohydrates
Chiefly used for energy production
Lipids (fats)
Chiefly used for energy storage
Proteins
Chiefly used for structure
Nucleic acids
Chiefly used for information storage
High energy molecules
Example: ATP (adenosine triphosphate)
All are polymers made up of monomers
Polymer: Large chain-like structure made of repeating units; e.g., protein
Monomer: Single unit used to make up polymers; e.g., amino acid
All are organic molecules
All built on carbon skeletons
Different types of carbon skeletons:
Straight chain
Branched chain
Ring structures
All contain functional groups
Functional group: Group of atoms with a consistent function
Common groups include:
Carboxyl group (acidic)
Amino group (basic)
Nonpolar groups
Polar groups
Basic formula: Cₙ(H₂O)ₙ
Example: Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)
Functions:
Energy source
Energy storage
Structural role
Classification:
Monosaccharides
Disaccharides
Polysaccharides
Important examples
Pentoses (Ribose, Deoxyribose)
Hexoses (Glucose, Fructose, Galactose)
Energy storage (1g lipid = 9 kcal)
Thermal insulation
Protection of vital organs
Neural impulse transmission
Tissue structure
Components:
One molecule of glycerol
Three fatty acids
Classification of fatty acids: saturated, unsaturated (mono- and polyunsaturated)
Structural, contractile, defense, carrier, regulatory roles
Fluid balance, genetic expression
Composition:
Amino acids joined by dehydration synthesis
Structure:
Primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary levels
Function:
Information molecules (DNA, RNA)
Nucleotides (nitrogen base, pentose sugar, phosphate group)
Types: Deoxyribonucleotides (DNA) and ribonucleotides (RNA)
Primary example: ATP
Function: Used for cellular energy
Composition: Adenine, ribose, three phosphates
ATP-ADP cycle: Breakdown and synthesis of ATP based on energy needs