Biomolecules are the tiny but mighty building blocks that make life possible. From the fuel that powers our bodies to the blueprints that dictate our growth, biomolecules are present everywhere. Biomolecules are vital organic substances necessary for the development and functioning of all living things. Small micro molecules to large macro molecules including proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and others constitute a variety of biomolecules.
Definition of Biomolecules:
Biomolecules are the essential building blocks of life, tiny molecules that make up all living things. They come in various types, like carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids, each with its own special role. A biomolecule is present in all living cells in a chemical form. These consist primarily of substances with the chemical components carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
Types of Biomolecules :
Biomolecules are the building blocks of life, essential for the functioning of living organisms. They can be broadly classified into four main types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
There are three categories of biomolecules present in living things:
- Inorganic Biomolecules: Minerals, gases, and water are examples of inorganic biomolecules.
· ●Organic Biomolecules: The carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids, and vitamins, etc. are examples of organic biomolecules.
· ●Different Biomolecules: Aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic chemicals are different chemical forms of biomolecules.
| Biomolecule | Types | Monomer(s) | Examples | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carbohydrates | Organic | Monosaccharides | Glucose, Fructose, Galactose | Energy source, structural support |
| Lipids | Organic | Fatty acids, Glycerol | Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Steroids | Energy storage, membrane structure |
| Proteins | Organic | Amino acids | Enzymes, Antibodies, Hemoglobin | Catalysis, defense, transportation |
| Nucleic Acids | Organic | Nucleotides | DNA, RNA | Genetic information storage, transmission |
| Vitamins | Organic | Varied | Vitamin C, B1 (Thiamine), B2 (Riboflavin), B12 (Cobalamin), A (Retinol) | Act as coenzymes or precursors in metabolic reactions, support immune function, aid in cell growth and repair. |
Organic Biomolecules
Organic biomolecules are the fundamental building blocks of life, essential for the structure, function, and regulation of biological systems. These molecules contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and other elements,
Proteins:
Proteins are a different category of necessary macromolecules that make up around 50% of the dry weight of cells. Proteins are broken down during digestion for metabolic usage.
Definition:
Proteins are polymers made up of organized polypeptide chains of amino acids.
Structure:
Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These chains can fold into specific three-dimensional shapes, which are crucial for their function. The structure of a protein is determined by its sequence of amino acids, and various levels of organization (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures) contribute to its overall shape and stability.
If you want to more about the structure and function of proteins then read the article: Properties of Amino Acids- Structure, Function, Sources and Deficiencies.
Function:
Enzymes: Proteins act as catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions within cells. Enzymes facilitate processes like digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
Structural Support: Certain proteins, such as collagen and keratin, provide structural support to cells, tissues, and organs. They help maintain the integrity and shape of biological structures.
Transport: Proteins like hemoglobin transport molecules such as oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. They ensure the efficient distribution of essential substances to cells.
Defense: Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to recognize and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. They play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections.
Regulation: Proteins regulate various cellular processes, including gene expression, cell signaling, and metabolism. Hormones like insulin and growth factors are examples of regulatory proteins that control physiological functions and maintain homeostasis.
If you want to more about the relation between the structure and function of proteins then read the article: Relationship Between Protein Structure and Function | Structure and Function of Proteins.
Lifespan of Proteins:
Additionally, proteins can cooperate to carry out certain tasks, and they frequently join forces to create stable protein complexes. Protein turnover is the process through which the machinery of the cell breaks down and recycles proteins that have already been created after a finite amount of time. The half-life of a protein is a broad measure of a protein’s lifespan. In mammalian cells, they have an average lifespan of 1-2 days but can live for minutes or years. Proteins that are abnormal or misfolded degrade more quickly either because they are targets for apoptosis or because they are unstable.
Carbohydrates:
Sweets or things with a sweet taste are terms used to describe carbohydrates. Sakcharon is the Greek word for sugar. Based on the number of constituent sugar units formed during hydrolysis, they are separated into three categories: monosaccharides (1 unit), oligosaccharides (2–10 units), and polysaccharides (more than 10 units).
Definition:
Carbohydrates are referred to chemically as polyhydroxy aldehydes, ketones, or substances that hydrolyze to produce them once more.
Structure:
Proteins are composed of long chains of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. These chains can fold into specific three-dimensional shapes, which are crucial for their function. The structure of a protein is determined by its sequence of amino acids, and various levels of organization (primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures) contribute to its overall shape and stability.
If you want to more about the structure and function of carbohydrates then read the article: Structure and Function of 3 Most Important Carbohydrates.
Function:
Enzymes: Proteins act as catalysts, accelerating biochemical reactions within cells. Enzymes facilitate processes like digestion, metabolism, and DNA replication.
Structural Support: Certain proteins, such as collagen and keratin, provide structural support to cells, tissues, and organs. They help maintain the integrity and shape of biological structures.
Transport: Proteins like hemoglobin transport molecules such as oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. They ensure the efficient distribution of essential substances to cells.
Defense: Antibodies are specialized proteins produced by the immune system to recognize and neutralize foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses. They play a crucial role in protecting the body against infections.
Regulation: Proteins regulate various cellular processes, including gene expression, cell signaling, and metabolism. Hormones like insulin and growth factors are examples of regulatory proteins that control physiological functions and maintain homeostasis.
Lipids:
Lipids are chemical composites that are related to fatty acids, soluble in organic solvents but insoluble in water, and used by living cells. Lipids are the main source of energy and play a significant part in cellular structure. Although fats are a subtype of lipids known as triglycerides, the word “lipid” is occasionally used as a synonym for fats.
Lipids:
The combination of fatty acid and glycerol is called lipid.
Structure:
Lipids are characterized by their hydrophobic nature, meaning they are insoluble in water. They include fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids. Fats and oils are composed of glycerol molecules bonded to three fatty acid chains. Phospholipids have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail, making them important components of cell membranes. Steroids, such as cholesterol, have a characteristic four-ring structure.
If you want to more about the structure and function of lipids then read the article: Lipids Structure, Function and Composition | Lipids Function
Function:
Energy Storage: Lipids serve as a concentrated source of energy, yielding more than twice the energy per gram compared to carbohydrates. They are stored in adipose tissue and utilized during times of energy deficit.
Cell Membrane Structure: Phospholipids form the lipid bilayer of cell membranes, with hydrophilic heads facing outward and hydrophobic tails facing inward. This structure provides the membrane with stability and controls the movement of molecules into and out of the cell.
Insulation and Protection: Lipids provide insulation to help maintain body temperature and cushion vital organs. Adipose tissue acts as a protective layer, particularly around organs like the kidneys and heart.
Hormone Production: Steroid hormones, derived from cholesterol, regulate various physiological processes, including metabolism, growth, and reproduction. Examples include estrogen, testosterone, and cortisol.
Cell Signaling: Lipids, such as prostaglandins and leukotrienes, act as signaling molecules involved in inflammation, immune response, and blood clotting. They regulate cellular processes and mediate communication between cells.
Nucleic Acids:
The hereditary material constituted in cells that transmits all of the information from parents to progeny is known as nucleic acids. Nucleic acids come in two kinds deoxyribonucleic acid( DNA) and ribonucleic acid( RNA).
Definition:
Biopolymers and macromolecules called nucleic acids are nitrogenous macromolecules, necessary for all known forms of life.
Structure:
Nucleic acids have a linear structure, with nucleotides arranged in a specific sequence along the sugar-phosphate backbone. In DNA, two complementary strands form a double helix, with hydrogen bonds between the nitrogenous bases holding the strands together. RNA is usually single-stranded but can fold into complex structures due to base pairing interactions.
If you want to more about the structure and function of nucleic acids then read the article: DNA and RNA Structure and Function | Structure and Function of Nucleic Acids.
Function:
Genetic Information Storage: DNA stores the genetic information necessary for the development, growth, and functioning of all living organisms. This information is encoded in the sequence of nucleotides along the DNA molecule.
Transmission of Genetic Information: During cell division, DNA is replicated, ensuring that each daughter cell receives an identical copy of the genetic material. Additionally, DNA is transcribed into RNA, which carries the genetic instructions from the nucleus to the cytoplasm for protein synthesis.
Protein Synthesis: RNA plays a central role in protein synthesis, serving as a template for the assembly of amino acids into proteins. Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries the genetic code from DNA to the ribosomes, where it is translated into a specific sequence of amino acids.
Regulation of Gene Expression: Nucleic acids also play a role in regulating gene expression, controlling which genes are turned on or off in response to internal and external signals. This regulation is essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to changes in the environment.
Vitamins:
Organic compounds known as vitamins or a group of similar chemicals known as vitamers are needed by an organism in very small amounts for healthy metabolic activity. These Essential nutrients must be received through diet since they cannot be synthesized by the body in adequate amounts to ensure existence.
For instance, certain species can synthesize vitamin C while others cannot; in the second case, vitamin C is considered to be a vitamin in the first case. The majority of vitamins are vitamers, which are collections of closely similar molecules. For instance, there are eight vitamins, including four tocopherols and four tocotrienols, that make up vitamin E.
The three further categories of important nutrients, minerals, essential fatty acids, and essential amino acids—are not included in the term “vitamin.”
Types of Vitamins:
| Sl. No. | Vitamins | Chemical Names |
| 1. | Vitamin A | Retinol |
| 2. | Vitamin B1 | Thiamine |
| 3. | Vitamin B2 | Riboflavin |
| 4. | Vitamin B3 | Niacin |
| 5. | Vitamin B5 | Pantothenic acid |
| 6. | Vitamin B6 | Pyridoxine |
| 7. | Vitamin B7 | Biotin |
| 8. | Vitamin B9 | Folic acid or Folate |
| 9. | Vitamin B12 | Cobalamins |
| 10. | Vitamin C | Ascorbic acid |
| 11. | Vitamin D | Calciferols |
| 12. | Vitamin E | Tocopherols and tocotrienols |
| 13. | Vitamin K | Phylloquinone and Menaquinones |
| 14. | Cholin | – |
Inorganic Biomolecules
Inorganic biomolecules are essential components of living organisms, despite lacking carbon-hydrogen (C-H) bonds, which are characteristic of organic molecules. These biomolecules predominantly include minerals and gases, playing crucial roles in various biological processes.
| Biomolecule | Composition | Examples | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minerals | Inorganic compounds | Calcium, Iron, Potassium, Zinc, Sodium | Essential for various physiological functions such as bone formation, nerve transmission, muscle contraction, and enzyme activity. |
| Gases | Gaseous molecules | Oxygen, Carbon dioxide | Oxygen is essential for cellular respiration, while carbon dioxide is a byproduct of metabolism and plays a role in regulating pH balance. |
| Water | H2O molecules | H2O | Universal solvent, essential for hydration, transportation of nutrients and waste, temperature regulation, and maintenance of cell structure. |
Minerals:
Minerals are those substances found in meals and in the ground that our bodies require for healthy growth and development.
Minerals as Nutrients:
Calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, magnesium, iron, zinc, iodine, chromium, copper, fluoride, molybdenum, manganese, and selenium are among the mineral nutrients that are crucial for good health.
Gases:
A substance that is in the gaseous, or vaporous, state of matter is referred to as a gas. When referring to matter that possesses the characteristics of a gaseous material, is termed as “gas” is also used to refer to the condition itself. The four fundamental states of matter are liquid, solid, plasma, and gas.
Percentages of Atmospheric Gases:
In our atmosphere, the two major gases are oxygen and nitrogen. 21% is oxygen and 78% is nitrogen. Argon, carbon dioxide, and several other gases, including hydrogen, helium, neon, krypton, xenon, methane, ozone, and water vapor, make up the majority of the remaining 1% of the atmosphere.
Water:
Water has the chemical formula H2O, making it an inorganic substance. It is a translucent, flavorless, odorless, and almost colorless chemical compound that makes up the majority of the Earth’s hydrosphere as well as the bodily fluids of all currently recognized living things. Despite not providing food, energy, or organic micronutrients, it is essential for all known forms of life.
1. Angle in Water:
Its molecules are made up of two hydrogen atoms joined by covalent bonds and have the chemical formula H2O. The angle at which the hydrogen atoms are joined to the oxygen atom is 104.45°.
2. States of Water:
The liquid condition of H2O at standard pressure and temperature is known as “water” as well. Water occurs on Earth as a solid, liquid, and gas because the planet’s atmosphere is quite close to the triple point of water.
Different Biomolecules
Biomolecules come in various forms, each with its own unique characteristics and functions. Among them are aldehydes, ketones, and aromatic chemicals, which play crucial roles in biological systems.
| Biomolecule | Composition | Examples | Functions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aldehydes | Carbonyl group (CHO) attached to a hydrogen atom and an R group | Formaldehyde (HCHO), Acetaldehyde (CH₃CHO) | Used as intermediates in various metabolic pathways, in the synthesis of organic compounds, and as preservatives. |
| Ketones | Carbonyl group (CO) bonded to two carbon atoms | Acetone (CH₃COCH₃), Acetophenone (C₆H₅COCH₃) | Serve as solvents, flavors, and fragrances. Acetone is commonly used in nail polish remover and industrial processes. |
| Aromatic Chemicals | Consist of a cyclic structure with alternating double bonds | Benzene (C₆H₆), Toluene (C₆H₅CH₃) | Found in essential oils, dyes, drugs, and plastics. Serve as solvents and precursors in the synthesis of various organic compounds. |
Aldehydes:
Aldehydes belong to a group of organic chemical substances whose general structural formula is R-CHO. R could be hydrogen or a substituted or unsubstituted hydrocarbon radical. Many aldehydes are flammable, volatile liquids that, when left at room temperature, form explosive concentrations of vapor.
The lower members of the aldehyde family require the most stringent fire and explosion safety measures, as well as the most comprehensive irritating property controls. These members also include those with unsaturated or substituted chains.
Ketones:
Your liver creates a specific sort of molecule called a ketone when it breaks down lipids. When you fast, exercise for an extended period of time, or consume fewer carbohydrates, your body typically uses ketones as an energy source.
Low blood ketones might be present without causing any problems. The three most significant ketones in terms of scale are acetone, methylethyl ketone, and cyclohexanone.
Aromatic Chemicals:
Aromatic chemicals are chemical compounds that produce odor. Since their main function is to impart flavor or scent, it makes sense that they are frequently highly volatile. Aroma chemicals are the main component utilized when creating flavors and scents, along with essential oils.
The fragrance compounds Coumarin, a-amyl cinnamaldehyde, benzyl benzoate, p-anisaldehyde, and benzyl acetate are most frequently utilized in cosmetics and toiletries. Some fragrances can dissolve thanks to the soap’s structure. Fragrances are dispersed throughout the building in a variety of forms.
The biomolecules play a fundamental role in the intricate web of life, serving as the building blocks and functional entities essential for the existence of all living organisms. From the intricate structure of DNA encoding genetic information to the versatile functionality of proteins and the energy currency of cells in the form of carbohydrates, biomolecules exhibit remarkable diversity and complexity.
Frequently Asked Questions(FAQ):
1: What are biomolecules?
Biomolecules are organic molecules essential for the structure, function, and regulation of living organisms. They include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, playing crucial roles in various biological processes.
2: How are biomolecules classified?
Biomolecules are classified into four main types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates provide energy, lipids are involved in membrane structure and signaling, proteins perform diverse functions, and nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.
3: How are biomolecules interconnected in living systems?
Biomolecules often work in concert within living systems. For example, proteins are synthesized based on the genetic information stored in nucleic acids, and their activities are often regulated by small molecules like carbohydrates.
4: Can biomolecules be manipulated for medical purposes?
Yes, understanding biomolecules has led to advances in medicine and biotechnology. Manipulating biomolecules, such as designing targeted drugs or gene therapies, has become integral to modern medical research and treatment.
5: What are some emerging areas of research in biomolecules?
Emerging areas include synthetic biology, where researchers design and construct new biomolecules for specific purposes, and the exploration of biomolecules in extreme environments, offering insights into life’s adaptability.
6: How is the study of biomolecules relevant to environmental science?
Biomolecules play a role in environmental processes, such as nutrient cycles and the breakdown of pollutants. Studying these interactions can help address environmental challenges.