Biomolecules
In the intricate tapestry of life, biomolecules serve as the threads that
weave together the fabric of existence. From the majestic sequoias
towering over forests to the microscopic bacteria thriving in diverse
ecosystems, all forms of life rely on these molecular entities for their
structure, function, and regulation.
My project embarks on a captivating exploration of biomolecules, delving
into their remarkable diversity, intricate structures, and indispensable
roles in biological systems. Through this journey, we aim to unravel the
mysteries of these fundamental building blocks of life, shedding light on
their significance in understanding the complexities of living organisms.
Biomolecules encompass an array of chemical compounds, including
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, each contributing
uniquely to the vitality of living systems. Their interactions orchestrate
the myriad processes essential for life, from energy production and
storage to cellular communication and genetic inheritance.
As we venture deeper into the realm of biomolecules, we will unravel
their structural intricacies, elucidate their dynamic functions, and explore
the cutting-edge research driving our understanding of these molecular
marvels. By illuminating the molecular underpinnings of life, we strive to
inspire curiosity, foster appreciation, and ignite a passion for the
fascinating world of biomolecules.
Biomolecules, ranging from the humble glucose molecule to the majestic
DNA double helix, embody the essence of life, serving as the building
blocks, messengers, and architects of biological complexity. Their
intricate interplay governs essential processes such as metabolism,
growth, and reproduction while also offering tantalizing insight into the
evolution of life on Earth.
Types of Carbohydrates:
i) Monosachharide
ii) Oligosaccharides
iii) Polysacchasrides
Monosaccharide
Monosaccharides, also called simple sugars, are the simplest forms of
sugar and the most basic units (monomers) from which all carbohydrates
are built. Simply, this is the structural unit of carbohydrates. They are
usually colorless, water-soluble, and crystalline organic solids. Contrary to
their name (sugars), only some monosaccharides have a sweet taste.
Most monosaccharides have the formula (CH2O)x (though not all
molecules with this formula are monosaccharides ) . Examples of
monosaccharides include glucose (dextrose), fructose (levulose), and
galactose. Monosaccharides are the building blocks of disaccharides
(such as sucrose, lactose and maltose) and polysaccharides (such as
cellulose and starch). The table sugar used in everyday vernacular is
itself a disaccharide sucrose comprising one molecule of each of the two
monosaccharides d-glucose and dfructose. Each carbon atom that
supports a hydroxyl group is chiral, except those at the end of the chain.
This gives rise to a number of isomeric forms, all with the same chemical
formula. For instance, galactose and glucose are both aldohexoses, but
have different physical structures and chemical properties. The
monosaccharide glucose plays a pivotal role in metabolism, where the
chemical energy is extracted through glycolysis and the citric acid cycle to
provide energy to living organisms. Maltose is the dehydration
condensate of two glucose molecules.
Carbohydrate
A carbohydrate is a biomolecule consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H)
and oxygen (O) atoms, usually with a hydrogen–oxygen atom ratio of 2:1
(as in water) and thus with the empirical formula Cm(H2O)n (where m
may or may not be different from n), which does not mean the H has
covalent bonds with O (for example with CH2O, H has a covalent bond
with C but not with O). However, not all carbohydrates conform to this
precise stoichiometric definition (e.g., uronic acids, deoxy-sugars such
as fucose), nor are all chemicals that do conform to this definition
automatically classified as carbohydrates (e.g. formaldehyde and acetic
acid).
Carbohydrates perform numerous roles in living organisms.
Polysaccharides serve as an energy store (e.g. starch and glycogen)
and as structural components (e.g. cellulose in plants and chitin in
arthropods). The 5-carbon monosaccharide ribose is an important
component of coenzymes (e.g. ATP, FAD and NAD) and the backbone
of the genetic molecule known as RNA. The related deoxyribose is a
component of DNA. Saccharides and their derivatives include many
other important biomolecules that play key roles in the immune system,
fertilization, preventing pathogenesis, blood clotting, and development
Carbohydrates are central to nutrition and are found in a wide variety of
natural and processed foods. Starch is a polysaccharide and is abundant
in cereals (wheat, maize, rice), potatoes, and processed food based on
cereal flour, such as bread, pizza or pasta. Sugars appear in human diet
mainly as table sugar (sucrose, extracted from sugarcane or sugar
beets), lactose (abundant in milk), glucose and fructose, both of which
occur naturally in honey, many fruits, and some vegetables. Table sugar,
milk, or honey are often added to drinks and many prepared foods such
as jam, biscuits and cakes.
Structure and nomenclature
