BIOMOLECULES

Groups of Monomers and Polymers

The classes of biological molecules may be grouped into the types
of polymers they form and the monomers that act as subunits:
•Lipids - polymers called diglycerides, triglycerides; monomers
are glycerol and fatty acids.
•Nucleic Acids - polymers are DNA and RNA; monomers are
nucleotides, which are in turn consist of a nitrogenous base,
pentose sugar, and phosphate group.
•Carbohydrates - polymers are polysaccharides and
disaccharides*; monomers are monosaccharides (simple
sugars).
•Proteins - polymers are known as polypeptides; monomers are
amino acids.
1: CARBOHYDRATES
ARE SUGARS!

We get 4 kilo-
calories per gram
of carbs that we eat!
What are Carbohydrates?
Carbohydrates are organic molecules that serve as a primary source
of energy for living organisms and play essential structural and
functional roles, consisting of sugars, starches, and cellulose,
composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio.
 Function: Primary energy source for living organisms
 Elements present: C, H, O (1:2:1 ratio)
 Monomer (building block): Monosaccharides
(Glucose is most common)
 Polymer: Polysaccharides (Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, Chitin)

Examples: Chocolate, Bread, Pasta, Fruits, Vegetables

 Sugars that make up Carbs
 Single sugar: monosaccharide
Example: glucose , fructose (in fruits)
 2 monosaccharides: Disaccharide
Example: maltose, sucrose
 3+ monosaccharides: Polysaccharide
Example: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, and Chitin
Sugars, broken down
 Types of Polysaccharides
Starch:
 Used for energy storage in plants
 They provide a quick form of energy for the body

Glycogen:
 Formed in the liver
 Used for energy storage in animals
 More Polysaccharides
Cellulose:
Provides structural support in plants
(found in the cell wall) GIVES US FIBER!

Chitin:
Found in exoskeletons of arthropods
(insects, spiders)
Found in cell wall of some fungi
Structure of Carbohydrates

Remember: Elements are C, H, and O

2: LIPIDS ARE FATS!

We get 9 kcals
per gram
Of fat that we
consume.
What are Lipids?
Lipids are diverse organic molecules, including fats, that serve as
energy storage, form cell membranes, and play essential roles in the
body.
 Function: Store energy, Insulates your body, and make up the
cell membrane!
 Elements: C-H-O
 Monomer (Building blocks): glycerol & 3 fatty acids
 Polymer: Phospholipids, triglycerides

Example: Steroids, cholesterol, fats, Oils, Nuts, Waxes, and

make up part of the cell membrane!
 Lipids
 Lipids are Hydrophobic (water-fearing) and do not dissolve in water.
 Lipids can be:
1. Saturated: The bonds between all the carbons are single bonds.
 Solid at room temperature
Mainly animal fats (bacon grease, lard)
2. Unsaturated: There is at least one double or triple bond between carbons
present.
 Liquid at room temperature
Mainly plant based fats (olive oil)
as well as oily fish (Tuna, Sardines)
Lipid Structure
• Remember:
Elements present
are C, H, O
• Long strands of Saturated Fats
Carbon and
Hydrogen

CALLED
HYDROCARBONS! Unsaturated Fats
3: PROTEINS BUILD US

We get 4 kcals
per gram of protein
that we consume.
What are Proteins?
Proteins are vital biomolecules composed of amino acids that have
diverse roles in the body, from enzymes to structural elements. Their
functions depend on their unique amino acid sequences.
Function of proteins:
 Transport molecules in and out of the cell
 Control the speed of chemical reactions
 Used for growth and repair

Proteins make up the structure of living things…

Hair, nails, skin, bones, muscle, etc are all built by protein!
 Proteins NITROGEN IS PRESENT, NOW!

 Elements: C-H-O-N
 Monomer (Building Block):
amino acids (20 different ones!)
 Polymer: proteins (tons)
 Examples of proteins:
hemoglobin in red blood cells,
albumin in eggs, enzymes that
control reactions in the body,
and antibodies
 Found in: fish, eggs, meat
 Protein Structure
 Remember: Elements are
C, H, O, and N

 “R” groups represent one

of the 20 Amino Acids!
(so, each amino acid has
something different in that
spot)
 Why are amino acids important?
• When groups of amino acids are joined together a protein is formed
• There are 20 kinds of amino acids
• They consist of a carboxyl group (COOH) and an amino group NH2
• Peptide bonds form between amino acids
(polypeptide = many peptide bonds = protein!)
20 amino acids
4: NUCLEIC ACIDS
CARRY LIFE’S CODES
Nucleic Acids
DNA stores genetic
information, while RNA plays
a crucial role in protein
synthesis. Nucleic acids
consist of nucleotides, each
composed of a sugar, a
phosphate group, and a
nitrogenous base. The
sequence of these bases
encodes genetic instructions,
determining the traits and
functions of living cells.
 Nucleic Acids
Function:
• Holds the instructions to make proteins.
• Provide our genetic information
Elements: C-H-O-N-P
Monomer: nucleotides
○ A nucleotide is made up of:
• Sugar
• Phosphate
• Nitrogen Base: A, T, G, C, or U
Polymer: DNA, RNA and ATP

Genetic code Energy Carrier

Recipe for Proteins

Nucleic Acids
DNA Function: RNA Function:
•Acts as a messenger in protein synthesis, transferring
• Stores genetic information in the form of a double-
genetic information from DNA to ribosomes where proteins
stranded helical structure. are assembled.
• Carries instructions for the synthesis of proteins and •Plays a role in various cellular processes, including gene
other molecules. expression and regulation.
• Transmits genetic material from one generation to •Some types of RNA, like transfer RNA (tRNA) and
the next during reproduction. ribosomal RNA (rRNA), actively participate in the
translation process during protein synthesis.
Characteristics of biomolecules
Biomolecule Type Classification Examples Elements
Monosaccharides, Glucose, fructose,
Carbohydrates Monosaccharides
disaccharides, etc sacarose, etc
C, H, O

Phospholipids, steroids, Oleic acid, palmitic acid,

Lipids Fatty acids
triglycerides, etc etc
C, H, O

Fibrous or globular, simple Keratin, hemoglobin,

Proteins Amino acids
or conjugate actin, collagen
C, H, O, N, S

Adenine, cytosine,
Nucleic acids Nucleoids DNA, RNA
guanine, timine, etc
C, H, O, N, P
 Write an essay
How do biomolecules contribute to cellular and molecular
processes at the micro level? Discuss the intricate roles of
biomolecules within cells, exploring specific molecular
activities and interactions that drive fundamental biological
processes.