1. Biology Unit 1 Notes: Biomolecules

2. (1) What are the biomolecules?
Molecules made of the biological elements, which all living things are made of.
4 Types:
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Nucleic Acids
Proteins
Monomers = Basic building blocks, and repeating units that make up the biomolecules.
Polymers = The whole biomolecule (made of monomers).

3. (2) Carbohydrates Structure: Function:
Monomers = Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars like Glucose and Fructose)
Polymers = Polysaccharides (Complex Carbs like Starch and Wheat)
Function:
Monosaccharides provide cells with a quick burst (short term) of energy.
Polysaccharides provide cells with more intermediate energy.
THINK  Why do you think people say that WHEAT is better for you than WHITE FLOUR or SUGAR?

6. (3) Lipids Structure: Function: Phospholipids:
Monomers = Fatty Acids and Glycerol Molecules
Polymers = Phospholipids, Oils, Fats
Function:
Phospholipids form the outer-covering (cell membranes) of cells.
Oils and Fats provide cells with a source of long term energy storage.
Phospholipids:
Glycerol Head = Polar and Hydrophilic (“Water Loving”)
Fatty Acid Tails = Non-Polar and Hydrophobic (“Water Fearing”)

9. (4) Nucleic Acids Structure: Function: Nucleotides:
Monomers = Nucleotides
Polymers = DNA and RNA
Function:
Provide cells with genetic instructions to make proteins.
Nucleotides:
Made of 3 parts  A Pentose Sugar, A Phosphate, and a Nitrogenous Base

12. (5) Proteins Structure: Function: Hemoglobin: Monomers = Amino Acids
Polymers = Proteins or “Polypeptides”, and Enzymes
Function:
Create Cell Structure.
Provide the physical expression of DNA / RNA.
Enzymes catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions.
Hemoglobin:
A type of protein in your red blood cells, which allows oxygen to bind.
Contains Iron in the center of the molecule.