Biomolecules
are organic molecules that are crucial to the structure and function of living
organisms. These molecules are involved in various biological processes and are
essential for the maintenance, growth, and reproduction of cells. There are
four main classes of biomolecules:
1. Carbohydrates:
Function: Serve
as a primary source of energy and provide structural support.
Examples: Glucose, starch, cellulose.
2. Lipids:
Function: Involved
in energy storage, insulation, and the formation of cellular membranes.
Examples: Fats, phospholipids, steroids.
3. Proteins:
Function: Play
a crucial role in structural support, enzymatic catalysis, transport, defense
(immune system), and regulation of cellular processes.
Examples: Enzymes, antibodies, hemoglobin.
4. Nucleic Acids:
Function: Carry and transmit genetic information.
Examples: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic
acid).
Carbohydrates:
- Monomers: Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose).
- Polymers: Disaccharides (e.g., sucrose) and polysaccharides (e.g.,
starch, cellulose).
- Structure: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1:2:1.
Lipids:
- Categories:
- Triglycerides: Fats and oils composed of glycerol and fatty acids.
- Phospholipids: Form cellular membranes.
- Steroids: Include cholesterol and hormones.
- Function: Energy storage, insulation, component of cell membranes.
Proteins:
- Monomers: Amino acids (20 different types).
- Structure: Composed of amino acid chains folded into specific
three-dimensional structures.
- Function: Highly diverse; enzymes catalyze reactions, antibodies defend
against pathogens, structural proteins provide support.
Nucleic
Acids:
- Types:
- DNA: Stores genetic information in a double-stranded helical
structure.
- RNA: Transmits genetic information and is involved in protein
synthesis.
- Monomers: Nucleotides (composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and
nitrogenous base).
- Function: Information storage, transmission, and translation.
Biomolecules are interconnected in living systems, forming complex networks that regulate cellular activities. The study of biomolecules is crucial in fields such as biochemistry, molecular biology, and medicine, as it provides insights into the fundamental processes of life and potential targets for therapeutic interventions.