Biomolecule Discussion Guide

Name: Hunter Davis

Instructions: Fill in this guide as your teacher leads you through a discussion on biomolecules.

I. What is a biomolecule?
A biomolecule is an organic molecule made by living organisms.
Consists mostly of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.

II. Organic molecules and Inorganic moleculeswhats the difference?
Organic Molecules: contain carbon while Inorganic Molecules do not contain carbon.

III. Monomer and polymerwhats the difference? Molecules that may react with similar molecules to form a
chain; which is a Polymer.

a. How are polymers formed? Dehydration Synthesis (condensation; or removal of water).

b. How are polymers broken apart? Hydrolysis (the reverse of dehydration synthesis; adding of water)


IV. Carbohydrates: Group of organic molecules that includes sugars, starches, and cellulose.

a. Structure: Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
Monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose.

b. Function: Energy, Structural Support, Cell Wall, and Cell Membrane Marker


V. Lipids: Organic molecule group including fats and phospholipids.

a. Structure: Glycerol and fatty acids. Plus phosphate group.
Insoluble in water. Do not form large Polymers. Examples: Diglyceride and Triglyceride.

b. Function: Energy Storage, Insulation, Part of cell membrane, Hormones.


VI. Proteins: A group of organic molecules that provides structure and facilitates chemical reactions.

a. Structure: Amino Acids; connected via peptide bonds. Very large molecules.

b. Function: Lots of functions; Enzymes (speed the rate of chemical reactions), Structural components in
cells, mechanical functions in muscles and cytoskeleton ( internal cell framework), Cell signaling,
Immune Response.

VII. Nucleic Acids: Group of organic molecules including DNA and RNA.

a. Structure: Nucleotides (which contain 5 carbon, sugar, nitrogen base, and one or more Phosphate
groups)

b. Function: Storage and retrieval of information (Encode genes and Gene expression).