Download Biomolecules

What is a Biomolecule?

Organic molecule
made by living
organisms

Consist mostly of
carbon (C),
hydrogen (H), and
oxygen (O)
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
 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
 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
 Group of organic molecules that includes
sugars, starches and cellulose.
 Function:




Energy
Structural Support
Cell Wall
Cell Membrane Marker
Monosaccharide Example
Disaccharide Example
Polysaccharide Example
Lipids
 Organic molecule group including fats
and phospholipids

Function:




Energy storage
Insulation
Part of cell membrane (phospholipids)
Hormones
 Monomer:
○ Glycerol and fatty acids
 Insoluble in water
 Do not form large polymers
Proteins
 Group of organic molecules that provides
structure and facilitates chemical reactions.

Function:
 Enzymes (speed rate of chemical reactions)
 Structural components in cells
 Mechanical functions in muscles and
cytoskeleton (internal cell framework)
 Cell signaling
 Immune response

Structure:
Proteins
 Monomer: Amino acids
 Amino acids connect via peptide bonds
 Very large molecules
 Globular or structural
DNA
deoxyribonucleic acid
 is the hereditary material
 Monomer - nucleotides
