Biology Unit 3 BIOMOLECULES DISCUSSION What is a

Biology Unit 3 BIOMOLECULES DISCUSSION

What is a Biomolecule? � Organic molecule made by living organisms � Consist 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

Formation of Polymers � Animation � 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.

Breakdown of Polymers � Animation � 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 they? �Group of organic molecules that includes sugars, starches and cellulose.

Carbohydrates � Structure: �Carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a 1: 2: 1 ratio �(CH 2 O)n – n is an integer such as 5 (C 5 H 10 O 5) �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 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