Biology

Unit 1 Notes: Biomolecules

(1) What are the biomolecules?

• Molecules made of the biological elements, which all living things are made of.

• 4 Types:• Carbohydrates• Lipids• Nucleic Acids• Proteins

• Monomers = Basic building blocks, and repeating units that make up the biomolecules.

• Polymers = The whole biomolecule (made of monomers).

(2) Carbohydrates

• Structure:• Monomers = Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars like Glucose and Fructose)

• Polymers = Polysaccharides (Complex Carbs like Starch and Wheat)

• Function:• Monosaccharides provide cells with a quick burst (short term) of energy.

• Polysaccharides provide cells with more intermediate energy.

• THINK Why do you think people say that WHEAT is better for you than WHITE FLOUR or SUGAR?

(3) Lipids• Structure:

• Monomers = Fatty Acids and Glycerol Molecules

• Polymers = Phospholipids, Oils, Fats

• Function:• Phospholipids form the outer-covering (cell membranes) of cells.

• Oils and Fats provide cells with a source of long term energy storage.

• Phospholipids:• Glycerol Head = Polar and Hydrophilic (“Water Loving”)

• Fatty Acid Tails = Non-Polar and Hydrophobic (“Water Fearing”)

(4) Nucleic Acids

• Structure:• Monomers = Nucleotides

• Polymers = DNA and RNA

• Function:• Provide cells with genetic instructions to make proteins.

• Nucleotides:• Made of 3 parts A Pentose Sugar, A Phosphate, and a Nitrogenous Base

(5) Proteins• Structure:

• Monomers = Amino Acids• Polymers = Proteins or “Polypeptides”, and Enzymes

• Function:• Create Cell Structure.• Provide the physical expression of DNA / RNA.• Enzymes catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions.

• Hemoglobin:• A type of protein in your red blood cells, which allows oxygen to bind.• Contains Iron in the center of the molecule.