Biomolecules

Biology Index

Where are we going with this? The information on this page should increase understanding related to this standard:  Evaluate comparative models of various cell types with a focus on organic molecules that make up cellular structures.

Article includes ideas, images, and content from Troy Smigielski (2021-08)

Biomolecules

(Sounds like this is the beginning of something big… or, actually small!)

Living creatures… what are they made of? Cells…

So, what are cells made of?

All cells are made up of a combination of four biomolecules. That's it. Four types of biomolecules are responsible for making up every cell of every type of living things.

That's not FOUR different things… Each TYPE of biomolecule comes in a LOT of different "flavors."

But… Just four types of biomolecule make up every cell.

The four biomolecules are:

• Carbohydrates
• Lipids
• Proteins
• Nucleic acids

Well now, that seems simple enough. It must be more complicated!

Kinda. Kinda not.

Describing the different biomolecules relies on certain words for the different… things… They share a common set of prefixes.

When we study biomolecules, we’ll repeatedly come across a couple of prefixes.

Mono… means one

e.g. monounsaturated

Di… means two

e.g. dioxide

Poly… means many (more than two)

e.g. polypeptide

Okay, fair enough… 

We need to attach those prefixes to something… (Grrr… I knew it was too good to be true!)

Each biomolecule is made up of even smaller building blocks called monomers.  When you string monomers together, you create a polymer.

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SUMMARY:

1. All living things are made up of cells.

2. Cells are made up of the four biomolecules…

3. …which are:

Carbohydrates 

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic acids

4. Each biomolecule performs certain functions in the cell.

5. Biomolecules are made up of even smaller building blocks called monomers. 

6. Monomers of the same biomolecule share some structural and chemical characteristics including what elements they are made of.

Biomolecules At A Glance
	Monomer	Elements	Some Functions	Examples
Carbohydrates	Monosaccharides	C, H, O	Primarily, it supplies energy to cells. Also a component in plant cell walls.  Also provides support and protection as chitin in bugs and fungi.	Sugars Starches Glycogen Celulose Chitin
Lipids	Triglycerides	C, H, O, P	Store energy Provide insulation Important components of the cell membrane.	Fats Oils Cell Membranes Waxes Cholesterol Steroids Some hormones
Proteins	Amino Acids	C, H, O, N, S	Controls cell functions including: • Build muscle, tissue, and bone • Help fight disease	There are thousands of known proteins including… Enzymes Antibodies Hemoglobin
Nucleic Acids	Nucleotides	C, H, O, N, P	Stores genetic information	DNA RNA