GENERAL

BIOLOGY
BIOMOLECULES

Sir. Mhon Brazas

 1. 1. What are the biomolecules
and their functions?

1. BIOMOLECULES
Biomolecules are the most
important organic compounds in
the maintenance and metabolic
processes of living beings.
Biomolecule, additionally called
a natural atom, any of various
substances that are delivered by
cells and living life forms.
Biomolecules have many sizes
and designs and play out an
immense range of capabilities.
1. 2. What is the
importance of
2. biomolecules?
Biomolecules are organic compounds that
contain lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids,
and proteins. All living organisms require
biomolecules. They are alive since bio
implies life. Your body needs each
biomolecule to maintain equilibrium. Each
biomolecule includes its own monomer,
which are small molecules that can form
long chains that can create polymers, which
are multiple monomers linked together;
monomers are connected together by a
chemical process known as dehydration
synthesis.
1. 3. What are the main
biomolecules?
A cell has 10,000 to 100,000 molecules that govern
biological function. Carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids,
and proteins are the four major categories of
biomolecules. The majority of the other chemicals are
derived from these four fundamental molecules.

Every biomolecule is unique and is designed to execute a

specific function that is necessary for life.So, let’s see what
they are all about!!!
1. CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates are an essential component of a healthy
diet. They provide the necessary energy for tasks. It's
technically known as a polyhydroxy aldehyde or
polyhydroxy ketone. Carbohydrates are the most
prevalent macromolecules on the planet.

TYPES OF CARBOHYDRATE AND THEIR

FUNCTIONS.

Carbohydrates are categorized into three classes based on the

number of products generated during hydrolysis.

1. Monosaccharides - made up of a single polyhydroxy

aldehyde or ketone molecule. Monosaccharides are
crystalline solids that are colorless and totally soluble in
water. They are involved in the production of energy for the
body. Glucose, fructose, ribose, and arabinose are some
examples.
1. CARBOHYDRATES
TYPES OF CARBOHYDRATE AND THEIR
FUNCTIONS.

2. Disaccharides - made up of two sugar units bonded

together by O-glycosidic linkages. The following is a list
of disaccharides, along with their monomer units and
functions.

3. Polysaccharides- compounds that include more

than two sugar monomer units. Glycans are another
name for them. They are classified into two types:

● Homopolysaccharides -are constituted of only

one type of sugar unit. Homopolysaccharides are
divided into two classes based on their function:
1. CARBOHYDRATES
They are classified into two types:

❏ Structural polysaccharides: They provide mechanical

stability to cells, organs, and organisms. Examples are
chitin and cellulose. Chitin is involved in the construction
of a fungal cell wall, while cellulose is an important
constituent of the diet for ruminants.

❏ Storage polysaccharides: They serve as carbohydrate

stores that release sugar monomers when required by the
body. Examples include starch, glycogen, and inulin.
Starch stores energy for plants. In animals, it is catalyzed
by the enzyme amylase (found in saliva) to fulfill the
energy requirement. Glycogen is a polysaccharide food
reserve of animals, bacteria, and fungi.
1. CARBOHYDRATES

● Heteropolysaccharides: They contain two

or more different types of sugar units. It
includes glycosaminoglycans like hyaluronic
acid, heparan sulfate, keratan sulfate, and
murein. These polysaccharides have diverse
functions. For example, heparin is an
anticoagulant (prevents blood clotting, it’s
also known as blood thinners), hyaluronic
acid is a shock absorber and lubricant, while
peptidoglycans or mureins are present in the
bacterial cell wall.
1. PROTEINS
Proteins are polymers of amino acid residues that
are unbranched. According to their location and
function, approximately 22 amino acids are involved
in the production of proteins. Proteins are classified
into four types based on their structural organization:

● Primary structure: It is formed by the

formation of a peptide bond between amino
acids.

● Secondary structure: It is a folded structure

within a polypeptide that’s due to the formation
of hydrogen bonds between amide hydrogen
and the carbonyl oxygen of the peptide
backbone. It includes structures like alpha-helix
and beta-sheet.
1. PROTEINS
● Tertiary structure: It is a three-dimensional
conformation that’s formed due to the interaction
between R-groups or side chains of the amino
acids that make up the proteins. Bonds that
contribute to the formation of this structure include
hydrophobic interaction, electrostatic interactions,
hydrogen bonds, and Van der Waals forces of
interaction.

● Quaternary structure: This structure forms

between two or more polypeptide chains. Each
polypeptide chain is called a subunit. The
quaternary structures may occur between identical
or different polypeptide chains. The bonds involved
in the formation of these structures include
hydrophobic bonds, electrostatic bonds, hydrogen
bonds, and covalent cross-links.
1. PROTEINS FUNCTIONS
Proteins are essential components of organisms. It
participates in almost every process within cells. It
is involved in the processes of DNA replication, cell
signaling, catalyzing metabolic reactions,
construction of cell and tissue structures, and
transportation of molecules from one place to
another.

Given below are eight groups of proteins that are

categorized based on their functional properties.

1. Structural proteins: These proteins are fibrous proteins

that are tough and insoluble in water. They form the
structural component of connective tissues, bones,
tendons, cartilages, nails, hairs, and horns. Examples of
structural proteins are collagen, elastin, and keratin.
1. PROTEINS FUNCTIONS
2. Enzymes: These are globular conjugated proteins that are also
known as biological catalysts. They catalyze metabolic reactions by
reducing the activation energy that increases the rate of the reaction.
Some examples of protein enzymes are DNA polymerase, lysozyme,
nitrogenase, and lipase.

3. Hormones: These are long polypeptides composed of long chains

of linked amino acids. They play critical roles in regulating the
physiological processes of the body, these processes include
reproduction, growth and development, electrolyte balance, sleep,
etc. Some examples of these hormones are growth hormone (GH)
and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).

4. Respiratory pigments: These are globular protein pigments that

are usually soluble in water. Examples include myoglobin which
provides oxygen to the working muscles and hemoglobin which
transfers blood to all the tissues and organs through the blood.
 1. PROTEINS FUNCTIONS
5. Transport proteins: These are structural components of the cell
membrane. They form channels in the plasma membrane to transfer
selective molecules inside the cells. Some of them also form
components of blood and lymph in animals. Examples of transport
proteins are serum albumin (transport hemin and fatty acids), channel
proteins, and carrier proteins.

6. Motor proteins: These proteins are involved in the contraction and

relaxation of the muscle (muscle movement). It includes actin,
myosin, kinesin, and dynein.

7. Storage proteins: These proteins are the storage reserve of

amino acids and metal ions in cells. They are present in eggs, seeds,
and pulses. Examples of storage proteins include ferritin, ovalbumin,
and casein.
8. Toxins: These proteins are generally produced by bacteria. They include diphtheria toxin,
Pseudomonas exotoxin, and ribosome-inactivating proteins. They help bacteria to attack and kill their
host organism by creating cytotoxicity.
1. NUCLEIC ACID
Nucleic acids are macromolecules found in cells
and viruses that play a role in the storage and
transmission of genetic information. Friedrich
Miesher discovered nucleic acid in the nuclei of
leukocytes. Later research revealed that it is a
combination of basic proteins and
phosphorus-containing organic acid.

Nucleic acids are structurally polymers of

nucleotides (or polynucleotides), which are
phosphate esters of nucleosides. The nucleotides
are made up of three parts:
1. NUCLEIC ACID
● Nitrogenous base: These are heterocyclic, planar,
and aromatic molecules. It is of two types: purines and
pyrimidines. Purines include adenine and guanine,
both of which are found in both DNA and RNA.
Pyrimidines include thymine (found only in DNA),
cytosine (found in both DNA and RNA), and uracil
(found only in RNA).

● Five carbon sugar: The two types of pentose sugar

are ribose (present only in RNA) and deoxyribose
(present in DNA). These sugars in nucleic acids have
the D-stereoisomeric configuration.[1]

● Phosphoric acid ion: It’s a phosphate group involved

in the polymerization of the nucleotides. A
phosphodiester bond links two or more nucleotides
leading to the formation of polynucleotides.
 1. NUCLEIC ACID TYPES
AND FUNCTIONS
It is the genetic material that stores all the
information required to be transferred to
the progeny. It specifies the biological
development of all living organisms and
viruses.
Based on nature, structure, and function, the nucleic acids are categorized
into two groups: Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and Ribonucleic acids
(RNA).
a. Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA)
DNAs are the hereditary material that resides inside the nucleus. In 1953, the first
structure of DNA double helix (B-form of DNA) was discovered by Watson and
Crick.[1] DNA has two other forms as well, A and Z forms. The conformation DNA
will adopt depends on the hydration level, DNA sequence, chemical modification of
the bases, the type, and concentration of a metal ion in the solution.[1]
The double helix structure represents two polynucleotides DNA coiled around a
central helix. The two strands are antiparallel and interact by hydrogen bonds
between complementary base pairs. In some cases, like at low pH, the triple helix
form of DNA also exists. It’s formed by laying a third strand into the major groove
of the DNA.
 1. NUCLEIC ACID TYPES
AND FUNCTIONS
Based on nature, structure, and function, the nucleic acids are categorized
into two groups: Deoxyribonucleic acids (DNA) and Ribonucleic acids
(RNA).

b. Ribonucleic acids (RNA)

RNA is present in all living cells. It has different roles to play in different organisms.
It acts as genetic material in some viruses and has enzymatic activity in other
organisms (where it is called ribozyme). Three types of RNA are present among
organisms: rRNA, mRNA, and tRNA. All three have essential roles in the
development and maintenance of life.

Structurally, RNA exists in both
single-stranded (primary structure) and
double-stranded (secondary structure)
forms.[1] The double-helical structure of
RNA is present in the A form.
The importance of RNA and DNA is incomparable. DNA carrying the genetic
information can’t leave its home, the nucleus, and this is why RNA exists. They are
involved in the transfer of genetic information for protein synthesis via the
processes of transcription and translation (outside the nucleus), and they control
gene expression as well.
1. LIPIDS
Lipids are organic compounds that are insoluble or poorly
soluble in water but soluble in organic solvents (like
dissolves like) such as ether, benzene, or chloroform.[1]

They are hydrophobic and structurally composed of a chain

of hydrocarbons. They are chemically more diverse than
other biomolecules, and they are primarily involved in
membrane structure and energy storage.

Classes of Lipids and Their Functions

Different classes of lipids include:

1. Fatty acids: These are the simplest forms of lipids. They

are composed of hydrocarbon chains of 4-36 carbons
and one acidic group. They can be linear or branched.
Moreover, fatty acids are the building blocks of other
types of lipids.
1. LIPIDS
2. Waxes: These are esters of fatty acids and long-chain alcohols.
They are composed of hydrocarbon chains of 14-36 carbons. They
are synthesized by many plants and animals. However, the
best-known wax is bee wax which is composed of an ester of
palmitic acid with triacontanol alcohol.

3. Phospholipids: These are composed of fatty acids, an

attachment platform for fatty acids, a phosphate, and an alcohol
attached to phosphate. They are part of the cell membrane of the
organisms.

4. Glycolipids: These are lipids containing saccharide groups.

They are constituents of the cell membrane and are involved in
signal transductions.

5. Steroids: These are complex derivatives of triterpenes. For

example, cholesterol is a constituent of the cell membrane and
acts as a precursor for the biosynthesis of steroid hormones and
bile acids.
1. LIPIDS
6. Eicosanoids: They arise from the 20 carbons of
polyunsaturated fatty acids.[1] They perform several
functions. For example, prostaglandins stimulate uterine
contraction and lower blood pressure, leukotrienes are
involved in chemotaxis and inflammation, and
thromboxanes act as vasoconstrictors and stimulate
platelet aggregation.

Other than these lipid molecules, some plasma lipoproteins also

exist that are structurally a lipid-protein complex. These
complexes function as lipid transport systems in blood. Some
examples of lipoproteins are chylomicrons, low-density
lipoproteins, and high-density lipoproteins.
1. 4. How importance the
biomolecules in a living
system?
Biomolecules are essential for life because they help organisms
develop, survive, and reproduce. They interact with one another
to produce organisms ranging from single cells to complex living
beings such as humans. The variety in their shape and structure
allows for a variety in their functions.

Biochemistry is the study of these biomolecules. The study of

their structures, functions, interactions, and reactions is known as
biochemistry. Several biological molecules' roles are still
unknown, and sophisticated techniques are being employed to
find more molecules and comprehend their involvement in
life-sustaining processes.
 THANKYOU!
https://conductscience.com/biomolecules-types-and-functions/#:~:text=Bio
molecules%20are%20vital%20for%20life,provides%20diversity%20in%20th
eir%20functions.

https://www.geeksforgeeks.org/biomolecules-definition-structure-classificati
on-examples/

https://biology.reachingfordreams.com/biology/biology/biomolecules/25-3-ty
pes-of-carbohydrates

https://www.cram.com/essay/Importance-Of-Biomolecules/FCSYLGC4UR