Biomolecules

 Biomolecules

• Biomolecules are essential substances produced by cells and living organisms. They come in various sizes and structures, performing a wide array of functions.

Four Major Types of Biomolecules

1. Carbohydrates: These molecules, primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, serve as both energy sources and structural components. They include monosaccharides (single sugar units), disaccharides (two sugar units), oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides.

2. Lipids: Lipids play diverse roles in living organisms. They act as stored energy sources, form cell membranes, and serve as chemical messengers. Examples of lipids include fats, phospholipids, and steroids.

3. Nucleic Acids: These biomolecules store an organism’s genetic code. The two main types are DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA carries genetic information, while RNA plays a role in protein synthesis.

4. Proteins: Proteins are crucial for life. They serve as structural elements in cells, transporters for nutrients, enzymes that drive chemical reactions, antibodies, and hormones. The sequence of amino acids within proteins determines their structure and function.

Micromolecules

• Micromolecules are relatively small molecules with low molecular weight. They contain only a small number of atoms.

• Micromolecules are often referred to as monomers. These monomers serve as the building blocks for larger molecules.

• Examples of micromolecules include amino acids, monosaccharides (simple sugars), nucleotides, fatty acids, glycerol, minerals, and water.

• Micromolecules participate in biochemical reactions, metabolic processes, and substrate supply.

• Micromolecules join together through biochemical reactions to create macromolecules.

Macromolecules

• Macromolecules are large molecules with high molecular weight. They result from the combination of smaller micromolecules (monomers).

• Examples of macromolecules include proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

• Macromolecules play critical roles in cells, such as maintaining structure, acting as enzymes, and storing genetic information.

• Unlike micromolecules, macromolecules are relatively large and complex.

• Cells contain various macromolecules that interact to sustain life.

Transmission of Genetic Material

• A series of experiments demonstrated that among the four types of macromolecules within the cell (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids), the only chemicals that were consistently transmitted from one generation to the next were nucleic acids.

• As it became clear that DNA was the material that was transferred from one generation to the next, its functions began to be investigated. DNA carries genetic information, while RNA