Biology Unit 03

What is a Biomolecule?

Organic molecule

made by living

organisms

Consists mostly of

carbon (C),

hydrogen (H), and

oxygen (O)

But wait…What is an Organic

Molecule?

Organic Molecules:

Contain carbon

Considered the ―chemicals of life‖

Inorganic Molecules:

Do not contain carbon

Monomers vs. Polymers

Monomers:

Molecules that may react with similar molecules

to form a chain

Polymers:

A chain of many monomers that are chemically

bonded together

Animation of Condensation

Formation of Polymers

How are polymers formed?

Dehydration Synthesis (Condensation): Two

hydrogen atoms and one oxygen atom are

removed from the monomers to form water,

and the two monomers are joined together.

Animation showing Hydrolysis

Breakdown of Polymers

How are polymers broken down?

Hydrolysis—the reverse of dehydration synthesis

(condensation)

Water added to the polymer, un-linking the chain

and breaking it back down to its original

monomer units

Carbohydrates

What are carbohydrates?

Group of organic molecules that includes sugars,

starches, and cellulose

Carbohydrates

Structure:

Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio

(CH2O)n – n is an integer such as 5 (C5H10O5)

Subunits: monosaccharides, such as glucose or

fructose

Most often in a ring shape

Subunits are connected with covalent bonds.

Monosaccharide Example

Disaccharide Example

Polysaccharide Example

Carbohydrates

Function:

Energy

Structural support

Cell wall

Cell membrane marker

Lipids

What are they?

Organic molecule group including fats and

phospholipids

Lipids

Structure:

Subunits:

○ Glycerol and fatty acids

○ Glycerol and fatty acids plus phosphate group

Insoluble in water

Do not form large polymers (2 or 3 fatty acids

with glycerol)

○ Examples: diglyceride and triglyceride

Triglyceride Example

Phospholipid Example

Lipids

Function:

Energy storage

Insulation

Part of cell membrane (phospholipids)

Hormones

Proteins

What are proteins?

Group of organic molecules that provides structure and facilitates chemical reactions.

Proteins

Structure:

Subunits: Amino acids

Amino acids connect via peptide bonds

Very large molecules

Globular or structural

Amino Acid

Proteins

Function:

Lots of functions!

Enzymes (speed rate of chemical reactions)

Structural components in cells

Mechanical functions in muscles and

cytoskeleton (internal cell framework)

Cell signaling

Immune response

Nucleic Acids

What are nucleic

acids?

Group of organic

molecules

including DNA

and RNA

Nucleic Acids

Structure:

Subunits are nucleotides—5-Carbon sugar,

Nitrogen base, and one or more Phosphate

groups.

Nucleic Acids

Function:

Storage and retrieval of information:

○ Encode genes

○ Gene expression

Information Sources for Diagrams

Capri, A. (2003). Carbohydrates. Retrieved from http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=61

Capri, A. (2003). Fats and proteins. Retrieved from http://www.visionlearning.com/library/module_viewer.php?mid=62

Indiana University. (2013). Fat and why it matters to you. Retrieved from http://www.indiana.edu/~oso/Fat/SolidNLiquid.html

Cronk, J. (2012). Biochemistry dictionary. Retrieved from http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/faculty/cronk/biochem/H-index.cfm?definition=hydrogen_bond

Chemical Education Digital Library Admin. (2011, January 20). Nucleic acid structure. Retrieved from Cronk, J. (2012). Biochemistry dictionary. Retrieved from http://guweb2.gonzaga.edu/faculty/cronk/biochem/H-index.cfm?definition=hydrogen_bond

Dna structure. (2010, September 28). Retrieved from http://www.pc.maricopa.edu/Biology/rcotter/BIO 205/LessonBuilders/Chapter 9 LB/Ch9b3.html

Information Sources for this PPT

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Biomolecules and the Chemistry of Life. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Organic vs. Inorganic Molecules - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/organic-inorganic-molecules.html

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Monomers, Polymers, and Dehydration Synthesis - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/monomers-polymers-dehydration-synthesis.html

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Lipids - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/lipids.html

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Carbohydrates - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/carbohydrates.html

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Proteins - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/proteins.html

Shmoop Editorial Team. (November 11, 2008).Nucleic Acids - Shmoop Biology. Retrieved April 6, 2013, from http://www.shmoop.com/biomolecules/nucleic-acids.html