Biomolecules

You are what you eat!

 Agenda
1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Lipids
4. Comparing biomolecues
5. Constructing glucose molecules
 Biomolecules
All living organisms require several compounds to
continue to live.

We call these compounds biomolecules. All of these

biomolecules are organic, which means that they
contain carbon.
Carbon has four valence electrons, which means this
element forms strong covalent bonds with many other
elements.
 Organic Compounds
Most Biomolecules are organic

This means they are based on Carbon and include

hydrogen

Includes carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic

acids

Also includes vitamins

Biological molecules 4
 Biomolecules
Also, our biomolecules are
formed by joining many small
units together to form a long
chain.

This process is called synthesis.

Often, a water molecule is
removed in the process.
When this happens, we call it
dehydration synthesis.
 Biomolecules
The smallest functioning unit of a biomolecule is a
monomer.
Mono- means ONE.

Put two monomers together, and you get a dimer.

Di- means TWO.

Once several monomers are put together, we get a

polymer.
Poly- means MANY.
Biological Macromolecules
Life depends on four types of organic
macromolecules:
1. Carbohydrates
2. Lipids
3. Proteins
4. Nucleic acids

Can you think of an example of each?

 Types of Biological Molecules
Water Proteins Lipids

Nucleic acids Carbohydrates

 CARBOHYDRATES
1. Carbohydrates
 Carbohydrates aka

Sugar

Starch
Carbs
 Carbohydrates
Carbohydrate means hydrated carbon

Composing elements C, H, O

Hydrogen and Oxygen are in a ratio of 2:1

Can be simple monomers like glucose

Can be complex polymers like cellulose

Biological molecules 11
 Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates (carbs) are
biomolecules used for energy
and structural support.

Breaking carbs down provides us

with energy.
 Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are made up of Monomer: Monosaccharide
carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Dimer: Disaccharide
The ratio of these elements is
roughly 1carbon: 2 hydrogen :1 Polymer: Polysaccharide
oxygen.
 Carbohydrates
Carbs are primarily used to
provide us with energy.

All monosaccharides and

dissachardies end in -ose.

Glucose is used as a common

energy source for most living
organisms.
Carbohydrates
There are many other types of
carbs in nature:
Fructose (fruit sugar)
Lactose (milk sugar)
Sucrose (table sugar)
Ribose/Deoxyribose
(important for DNA and
RNA)
 Carbohydrates
Carbs can be bonded to each
other through dehydration
synthesis.
Remember, thats when water
is lost as two smaller
molecules bond to form a
larger molecule.
 Carbohydrates
When we have excess carbs, we
store them as starches, which
are polysaccharides.

Starches are long chains of

carbs.

Plants also use cellulose

(another polysaccharide) for
structural support.
 Carbohydrates
Contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a ratio of
1:2:1

Account for less that 1% of body weight

Used as energy source

Called saccharides
 Glucose is a
monosaccharide
 Monosaccharides
C6H12O6

Fructose
Galactose
Glucose

Biological molecules 20
Disaccharides
Sucrose

Lactose
 Disaccharides
Lactose: glucose + galactose

Maltose: glucose + glucose

Sucrose: glucose + fructose

sucrose
Biological molecules 22
 Importance:
Energy storage: sucrose is a store of energy in
sugarcane and sugar beets

Energy transport: carbohydrate is transported in plants

as sucrose

Biological molecules 23
 Polysaccharides
Starch

Glycogen

Cellulose

All are long strings of glucose molecules

Difference lies in how they are bonded together

 Polysaccharides

Biological molecules 25
 Polymers
A polymer is any molecule made up
of several repeating units. Starch is a
polymer of glucose.
How does our body break
down this bread?
 Breaks down into
microscopic molecules

Loaf of bread Bread crumbs

Polysaccharide

Monosaccharide Disaccharide
 Structure

Sugar
Many

Polysaccharide
 Structure
Sugar
Two

Di saccharide
 Structure

Sugar
One

Monosaccharide
 Function
Provide QUICK energy to the body!
LIPIDS
 Lipids
Composing elements C, H, O

Lipids are loosely defined as groups of organic molecules that are

insoluble in water. Their chemical formula vary considerably.

Include:
fats
oils
Waxes
Phospholipids
steroids: sex hormones and cholesterol
some vitamins
glycolipids (lipids with carbohydrates attached)
Biological molecules 34

Lipids are made up of carbon,
hydrogen and oxygen.
The ratio of these elements is
roughly 1carbon: 2 hydrogen.
Oxygen is present only in trace
amounts.
Lipids
Most common lipids are
composed of two different
functional groups:
Glycerol, an alcohol with three
oxygen groups.
Fatty acids, which are long
hydrocarbon chains.
 Lipid structure
Most lipids are composed of a of glycerol molecule with attached fatty acids

GLYCEROL FATTY ACIDS

Fatty acid
Glycerol

Fatty acid
Triglyceride
Fatty acid

Phospholipid GLYCEROL
HYDROPHOBIC END

Fatty acid
Glycerol

Fatty acid

PO4
FATTY ACIDS
Biological molecules 36
HYDROPHYLIC END
 Lipids
ALL lipids repel water,
due to how hydrophobic
they are. This means
that they do not bond to
water molecules.
 Lipids
Lipids are grouped by the
number of double bonds found
in the hydrocarbon chain.

Saturated fats have the

maximum number of hydrogen
atoms possible, and as such, they
have no double bonds.
They tend to be solid at room
temperature.
 Unsaturated fatty acid

Unsaturated
fats
Their Fatty acids have:

Have some carbon atoms that are double bonded(not

fully hydrogenated)

Kinked in shape

Healthy

From plant sources

Liquid at room temperature (20C)

Biological molecules 39
 Saturated fatty acid

Saturated fats:
Their fatty acids

have no double bonds between carbon atoms(have maximum number of

hydrogen atoms)

Straight structure

Unhealthy fats usually from animal sources

Solid at room temperature(20C)

Biological molecules 40
 Breaks down into
microscopic molecules
Fats, oils, waxes, steroids
Monomer:
3 fatty acids + glycerol
 Function
Made mainly of carbon and hydrogen (few
oxygen)
Fat best method of STORING
forms cell membranes
Insulates nerve cells (myelin)
Insulates body (maintains homeostasis)
 Importance; Biological
Role
Used to store energy (approx 36 kj/gram)

Mitochondrion
Fat cell
(false color TEM)

Lipids are often stored in special

adipose tissue, within large fat cells

Lipids are concentrated sources of energy and can be

broken down (through fatty acid oxidation in the
mitochondria) to provide fuel for aerobic respiration
Biological molecules 44
 Importance; Biological
Role
An important structural component of membranes

Phospholipids are the primary structural component

of all cellular membranes, such as the plasma
Biological molecules
membrane (false color TEM above). 45
 Importance; Biological
Role
acts as a shock absorber

and good insulator

The white fat tissue (arrows) is

visible in this ox kidney

Fat absorbs shocks.

Organs that are prone to
bumps and shocks (e.g.
kidneys) are cushioned with Stored lipids provide insulation
a relatively thick layer of fat. in extreme environments.
Increased body fat levels in
winter reduce heat losses to the
Biological molecules environment.
46
 Importance; Biological
Role
Water proofing of some

surfaces

Transmission of

chemical messages

via hormones Waxes and oils, when

secreted on to surfaces
provide waterproofing in
plants and animals.
Biological molecules 47
 Lipids
Steroids are lipids with four
rings bonded together.

Steroids are vital as hormones,

which are chemical signals used
in the body.
Steroid Hormones
Progesterone: responsible for changes associated with
the menstrual cycle and with differentiation factor for
mammary glands

Aldosterone: raises blood pressure and fluid volume,

increases Na+ uptake

Testosterone: male sex hormone synthesized in the

testes, responsible for secondary male sex characteristics

Estradiol: an estrogen, principal female sex hormone,

produced in the ovary, responsible for secondary female
sex characteristics

Cortisol: involved in stress adaptation, elevates blood

pressure and Na+ uptake, numerous effects on the
immune system

Biological molecules 49

Oily and fatty foods tend to leave
stains upon contact.
This is why we can use brown
paper to detect fats.
Lipids
We can also use ethanol, which
dissolves lipids.
The dissolved fats are then
diluted with water. Since water
and lipids dont mix, the lipids
come out of solution.
This creates an emulsion a
milky, cloudy liquid.
 Protein
C,H,O,N and some have S

(a few might also have P due to

Addition of P in modification process

but P is not a component of amino acids)

insulin:C254H377N65O76S6

Biological molecules 51

All proteins contain carbon,
hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen.
In addition, sulfur may be
present as well.
Protein
Monomer: Amino acid
Polymer: Protein or polypeptide
A peptide is a chain of amino
acids, so a polypeptide is
several chains put together.
 BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF PROTEINS

1. Catalytic function:
Nearly all chemical reactions in biological systems are catalyzed by specific enzymes.

2. Transport and storage:

For example;
Hemoglobin transports oxygen in erythrocytes
Myoglobin carries & stores oxygen in muscle.
Albumin transports free fatty acids in blood.
Transferrin transports iron in blood.

3. Coordinated motion:Actin and myosin are contractile proteins in muscle.

BIOLOGICAL FUNCTIONS OF PROTEINS (cont.)

4. Structural and Mechanical support:

For Example; collagen, a fibrous protein in skin and bone.

5. Defense function:
For Example Clotting factors prevent loss of blood.

Immunoglobulins protects against infections.

6. Generation and transmission of nerve impulses:

For example, rhodopsin is the photoreceptor protein in retinal rod cells.

7. Control of growth and differentiation:

For Example
growth factor proteins.
hormones such as insulin and thyroid-stimulating hormone.
 Protein
Proteins serve many vital
functions in your body:
Structural support
Speeding up chemical
reactions
Transport of molecules
Fighting infection
and many more!
 Protein Structure
Proteins are the most abundant and important
organic molecules
Basic elements:
carbon (C), hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), and nitrogen (N)

Basic building blocks:

20 amino acids
Protein Structure 4 levels
Primary: amino acid sequence

Secondary: Hydrogen bonds form spirals or pleats

Tertiary: Secondary structure folds into a unique shape

Quaternary: several tertiary structures together

 Protein
Proteins have four phases of production:
Primary: Amino acids are bound together.
Secondary: Individual amino acids are bent and
molded as needed.
Tertiary: The entire chain of amino acids is bent and
molded as needed, forming a sub-unit.
Quaternary: Multiple completed sub-units are fitted
together to make a complete protein.
Protein structure
 Shape and Function
Protein function is based on shape
Shape is based on sequence of amino acids
Denaturation:
loss of shape and function (due to heat, pH change or
other factors)
 Proteins: Enzymes
Enzymes are catalysts:
proteins that lower the activation energy of
a chemical reaction
are not changed or used up in the reaction

Other factors that speed up reactions:

Increased temperatures
Smaller particles
Higher concentrations
 Activation Energy
Chemical reactions in cells cannot start without help

Activation energy gets a reaction started

Characteristics of
Enzymes
 Energy In, Energy Out
Exergonic reactions:
produce more energy than they use

Endergonic reactions:
use more energy than they produce
 Challenge:
Describe what you see (at least 3 sentences)

This is an amino acid.

It is the monomer for a
protein. It contains C,
H, O and N. It has 3
groups: an amino
group, an R-group, and
a carboxyl group. The
R-group is considered a
variant group because it
changes.
 Proteins

Whey
Protein

Meat

Polypeptide
Peanut
butter
 Breaks down into
microscopic molecules
Polypeptide

Meat

Amino Acid
Monomer: amino acid
Polymer: polypeptide
Monomer: Amino Acids
Contains C, H, O, N
20 types
Has both hydrophobic
& hydrophylic ends
Differ in R-group
R-group can be acidic,
basic or neutral
Makes polypeptide
then makes proteins
Function of Proteins
Provides us with building
blocks for life!
Also regulate most functions
in a cell.
Glycoproteins (antigens)
Combines w/DNA to form
chromosomes
Turns genes on and off
Antibodies (fights disease)
Function of Proteins
Provides structure &
strength (fibers)
Transports molecules in &
out cells
Hemoglobin (transports O2)
Enzymes has ase suffix
Acts as hormones (insulin)-
many proteins have suffix
of -in
 Nucleic Acids

Contains C, H, O, N, P
Monomer: NUCLEOTIDES
Nucleotides consist of 3 parts:
1. 5-Carbon Sugar
2. Phosphate Group
3. Nitrogenous Base
Bellringer: Describe in detail what you see in
the diagram. (minimum 3 sentences)

This is a picture of
ATP. ATP is one
type of polymer of a
nucleic acid. It is
made of adenine,
sugar, and 3
phosphate groups.
 Nucleotide: Nitrogen Bases
5 types
Cytosine
Guanine
Adenine
Thymine (in DNA
only)
In DNA: In RNA: Uracil (in RNA only)
C-G C-G
A-T A-U Purines or pyrimidines
 Nucleotides:
5-carbon sugar and phosphate group
2 types of sugars
Ribose (in RNA only)
Deoxyribose (in DNA
only)
deoxyribose ribose
Phosphate group
Contains phosphorus &
oxygen
Polymer: polynucleotide
Nucleic Acids
The 5-carbon sugar is
deoxyribose, in the case of
DNA.

However, it is ribose in the case

of RNA.
This is how those molecules
got their name!
Structure of
DNA
 Function
Polypeptide: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
contains the genetic code
stores
& transmit
heredity/genetic information
foundin the nucleus
(mitochondria)
Double stranded (double
helix)
 Function
Polypeptide: RNA (ribonucleic acid)
Carries info from DNA
to cell
Helps in protein
synthesis
found in ribosomes &
nucleoli
Single stranded
 Polypeptide: ATP
Contains adenine, ribose
sugar, 3 phosphates
Stores and releases energy
Section 2-3Concept Map

Carbon
Compounds
include

that consist of that consist of that consist of that consist of

which contain which contain which contain which contain

 Section 2-3 Concept Map

Carbon
Compounds
include

Carbohydrates Lipids Nucleic acids Proteins

that consist of that consist of that consist of that consist of

Sugars and
Fats and oils Nucleotides Amino Acids
starches
which contain which contain which contain which contain

Carbon, Carbon, Carbon,hydrogen, Carbon,

hydrogen, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, hydrogen,oxygen,
oxygen oxygen phosphorus nitrogen,
Which biomolecule has the
most energy!?
 C-H bonds
Count the number of C-H bonds in
your monosaccharide picture.
Count the number of C-H bonds in
your saturated or unsaturated bond
picture
Which biomolecule (carbs or fats)
have more C-H bonds?
The number of C-H bonds
= the amount of energy
The more C-H bonds a
biomolecule has, the more energy
it has!
Fatshave the most energy
because they have the most C-H
bonds!
 CHALLENGE!
Which popular plant process forms glucose?
Photosynthesis
Which elements form a glucose molecule?
Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
What is the molecular formula for glucose? C6H12O6

Create a polymer using dehydration synthesis process.