BIOMOLECULES

MICHELLE L. SALCEDO
BIOMOLECULES
 refers to any molecule that is produced by living
organisms. As such, most of them are organic
molecules.
What are the 4 biomolecules?
• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Nucleic Acids
• Proteins

WE TYPICALLY GET BIOMOLECULES FROM FOOD…

THIS IS WHY WE MUST EAT IN THE FIRST PLACE!
THE BIOMOLECULES SERVE TO KEEP ORGANISMS ALIVE.
PICK THE PIC
1. Why did you classify the pictures in the
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids?
2. How do you define carbohydrates in your
own understanding? How about proteins?
lipids?
3. Do you think the pictures fit in this
category?
#1: CARBOHYDRATES
ARE SUGARS!

We get 4 kilocalories per gram

of carb that we eat!
 What are Carbohydrates?
Most common organic molecule
Function: Primary energy source our body
needs IMPORTANT!
Elements present: C, H, O (1:2:1 ratio)
Monomer (building block):
Monosaccharides (Glucose is most common)
Polymer: Polysaccharides (starch, Glycogen,
Cellulose, Chitin)
Examples: Bread, Pasta, Fruits,
Sugars that make up Carbs
Single sugar: monosaccharide
 Ex: glucose , fructose (in fruits)
2 monosaccharides: disaccharide
 Ex: maltose, sucrose
3+ monosaccharides: polysaccharide
 Ex: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, and Chitin
Types of polysaccharides
Starch:
 Used for energy storage in plants
 Potatoes, pasta and rice are starches
 They provide a quick form of energy for the
body
I am
formed in
the Liver!

Glycogen:
• 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 exoskeletens of
arthropods (insects,
spiders)
• Found in cell wall of
some fungi
Structure of Carbohydrates
• Remember: Elements are C, H, and O
• Primarily in a Ring shape (but not always)
#2: LIPIDS
ARE FATS

We get 9 kcals per gram

Of fat that we consume.
 Lipids
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!
Important!
• Lipids can be:
• Saturated: The bonds between all the carbons are
single bonds.
•Solid at room temperature
•Mainly animal fats (bacon grease, lard)

• Unsaturated: There is at least one double or triple

bond between carbons present.
•Liquid at room temperature
•Mainly plant based fats (olive oil, peanut oil) as well as oily
fish (Tuna, Sardines)
Lipid Structure
 Remember:
Elements
present are
C, H, O
 Long strands Saturated Fats
of Carbon
and
Hydrogen
Unsaturated Fats
CALLED
HYDROCARBONS!
#3: PROTEINS
BUILD US

We get 4 kcals per gram

Of protein that we consume.
Proteins
• 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!)
#4: NUCLEIC ACIDS

These biomolecules are not

necessarily from food
Nucleic acids
Function:
• Provide our genetic information
• Holds the instructions to make proteins.
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
Energy
Genetic
carrier
code! Recipe for
proteins
Structure of Nucleic Acid
Nutrients are essential to life, these are the substances needed by our bodies
for growth and development.
Regular consumption of the right amount of these substances can keep our
bodies in good health. In order for us to be able to track our consumption of
these nutrients, commercial products put “nutrition facts” embedded on their
labels so that consumers will have an idea of the contents they are taking in.
On the other hand, too much, and improper consumption of these nutrients
may lead to health problems such as obesity, osteoporosis, diabetes, gout,
and heart disease.
Biomolecules are important as they control almost every aspect of
organisms.
Carbohydrates provide the body with source of
fuel and energy.
Proteins provide structural support and also
defense against germs and infections.
Lipids in body are used as energy storage they are
very important for they make up all animal cells.
Nucleic acid carries genetic information in the cell.
Matching Type: Write the letter of the correct answer on the space
provided.
A B
____1. Biomolecules a. great fast source of energy;
____2. Proteins made up of monosaccharide
____3.Nucleic Acids b.large molecules that are
_____4.Carbohydrates needed in life; are the building
____5. Lipids components of life.
____6. Pasta c.known as fats; great for
____7. seafoods insulating
____8. Egg d.carries genetic information in
____9. Butter the cell
____10. Obesity e.made up of amino acids, great
for muscle building
f.Proteins
g.Nucleic Acids
h.Carbohydrates
i.Lipids
j. too much lipids
k.too much carbohydrates

 
 
Assignment
On a ½ sheet of paper, identify the
three (3) basic classifications of
carbohydrates and give two examples
each.