1. Carbohydrates:
* Structure: Carbohydrates are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, typically in a 1:2:1 ratio (e.g., C6H12O6 for glucose). They consist of simple sugar monomers (monosaccharides) that can link together to form more complex structures.
* Monomers: Glucose, fructose, galactose
* Polymers: Starch (plants), glycogen (animals), cellulose (plants)
* Function: Primary energy source, structural support, cell recognition
2. Lipids (Fats and Oils):
* Structure: Lipids are largely composed of carbon and hydrogen, with relatively few oxygen atoms. They are typically non-polar (water-insoluble).
* Types:
* Triglycerides: Composed of glycerol and three fatty acid chains. Used for energy storage and insulation.
* Phospholipids: Contain a phosphate group, making them polar at one end (hydrophilic) and non-polar at the other (hydrophobic). They form the basis of cell membranes.
* Steroids: Have a complex ring structure, like cholesterol, hormones, and vitamin D.
* Function: Energy storage, insulation, cell membrane structure, hormones
3. Proteins:
* Structure: Proteins are made of chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom bonded to an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain (R group).
* Monomers: 20 different amino acids
* Polymers: Long chains of amino acids (polypeptides) that fold into complex 3D shapes
* Function: Enzymes, structural support, transport, communication, immunity
4. Nucleic Acids:
* Structure: Nucleic acids are made of long chains of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar (ribose in RNA, deoxyribose in DNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine in DNA; adenine, guanine, cytosine, uracil in RNA).
* Monomers: Nucleotides
* Polymers: DNA and RNA
* Function: Store and transmit genetic information, direct protein synthesis
Important Points to Remember:
* Monomers: The building blocks of polymers.
* Polymers: Large molecules made of many repeating monomers.
* Structure determines function: The specific arrangement of atoms and bonds in each biomolecule determines its unique properties and roles in the body.
Let me know if you would like more detail on any specific biomolecule or its functions!
