Biomolecules

How to Remember Biomolecules

Carbohydrates:

• Monosaccharides: Simple sugars, e.g. Glucose
• Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides joined together, e.g. Sucrose
• Polysaccharides: Polymers of monosaccharides, e.g. Starch
• Glucose: Most abundant monosaccharide, main energy source for cells
• Fructose: Sweetest monosaccharide, found in fruits and honey
• Sucrose: Common table sugar, composed of glucose and fructose
• Cellulose: Structural polysaccharide found in plant cell walls
• Starch: Storage polysaccharide found in plants, e.g. Potatoes and grains

Proteins:

• Amino Acids: Building blocks of proteins, 20 different types
• Peptide bonds: Covalent bonds that link amino acids together
• Primary Structure: Sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain
• Secondary Structure: Regular folding of polypeptide chain, e.g. Alpha- helix, beta-sheet
• Tertiary Structure: Three-dimensional folding of polypeptide chain
• Quaternary Structure: Organization of multiple polypeptide chains into a functional complex
• Enzymes: Protein catalysts that accelerate chemical reactions
• Denaturation: Loss of protein’s native structure due to changes in pH, temperature, etc.

Lipids:

• Fats and Oils: Composed of fatty acids and glycerol, solid at room temperature
• Waxes: Long-chain fatty acids esterified with alcohols, waterproof barrier
• Phospholipids: Lipids with a phosphate-containing head group, major component of cell membranes
• Steroids: Lipids with a four-ring structure, e.g. Cholesterol, hormones
• Saturated Fatty Acids: No double bonds between carbon atoms, e.g. Palmitic acid
• Unsaturated Fatty Acids: One or more double bonds between carbon atoms, e.g. Oleic acid

Nucleic Acids:

• DNA: Double-stranded helix, genetic material of cells
• RNA: Single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation
• Nucleotides: Building blocks of nucleic acids, composed of a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous base
• Base Pairing: Hydrogen bonding between complementary bases (A-T, C-G, U-A)
• Double Helix: Two strands of DNA twisted around each other, resembling a twisted ladder
• Transcription: Synthesis of RNA from a DNA template
• Translation: Synthesis of proteins from an RNA template
• Replication: Copying of DNA, occurs before cell division

Vitamins:

• Fat-soluble Vitamins (A, D, E, K): Stored in body fat, can accumulate to toxic levels
• Water-soluble Vitamins (C, B-complex): Not stored in the body, must be consumed regularly
• Vitamin A: Important for vision, skin health, and immune function
• Vitamin D: Helps absorb calcium and promotes bone growth
• Vitamin E: Antioxidant, protects cells from damage
• Vitamin K: Necessary for blood clotting and bone health
• Vitamin C: Antioxidant, involved in immune function and collagen synthesis
• B-complex Vitamins: Involved in various metabolic reactions, including energy production, nerve function, and red blood cell formation

Minerals:

• Macronutrients (Calcium, Phosphorus, Potassium, Sodium, Chloride, Magnesium): Required in large amounts, make up electrolytes and structural components of bones and cells
• Micronutrients (Iron, Zinc, Iodine, Fluoride): Required in smaller amounts, essential for various bodily functions
• Calcium: Necessary for bone health and muscle function
• Phosphorus: Involved in energy production, bone formation, and acid-base balance
• Potassium: Regulates fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve transmission
• Sodium: Maintains fluid balance and blood pressure
• Chloride: Helps regulate fluid balance and acid-base balance
• Magnesium: Involved in energy production, nerve function, and muscle contraction
• Iron: Essential for red blood cell formation and oxygen transport
• Zinc: Involved in immune function, wound healing, and taste perception
• Iodine: Necessary for thyroid hormone production, regulates metabolism
• Fluoride: Prevents tooth decay and strengthens bones