BIOMOLECULES

ENGLISH VI

PROYECTO.

MONICA MONTES HERRERA. 542311742.

4TO.-C. NOCTURNO.

FIRST UNIT.
Biomolecules: Fundamental for Life

Biomolecules are chemical compounds that form the basis of life on Earth. They
are found in all living organisms, from the simplest to the most complex, and play essential
roles that allow for the maintenance of life. These molecules are fundamental not only for
the structure and function of cells but also for the biological processes that sustain the
health and development of living beings. This essay will focus on the four main classes
of biomolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, exploring their
structure, function, and importance in organisms.

Carbohydrates: Source of Energy and Structure

Carbohydrates are biomolecules primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, and

oxygen, and are one of the main sources of energy for living beings. They can be
classified into monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides,
such as glucose and fructose, are simple sugars that serve as building blocks for more
complex carbohydrates. Disaccharides, such as sucrose and lactose, are formed by the
union of two monosaccharides, while polysaccharides, such as starch and cellulose, are
long chains of monosaccharides.

Carbohydrates not only act as a source of energy but also fulfill structural functions.
For example, cellulose is a polysaccharide that forms the cell wall of plants, providing
support and rigidity. In animals, glycogen acts as an energy reserve, allowing organisms
to store glucose for later use. The importance of carbohydrates in the human diet is
notable, as they are found in foods such as grains, fruits, and vegetables, and adequate
consumption is crucial for well-being and optimal body function.
Lipids: Energy Storage and Biological Functions

Lipids are biomolecules that include fats, oils, waxes, and steroids. They are
primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen and are characterized by being insoluble in
water, which gives them unique properties. Their main function is energy storage, serving
as a concentrated source of calories that the body can utilize when carbohydrates are not
available.

Lipids are also essential components of cell membranes, where phospholipids

form a bilayer that regulates the entry and exit of substances in cells. Additionally, some
lipids act as hormones, regulating physiological processes in the body. For instance,
steroids, such as cholesterol, are precursors to sex hormones and corticosteroids, which
are crucial for various biological functions.

The balance of lipids in the diet is important, as excessive saturated fats can lead
to health issues such as cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, moderate consumption of
healthy fats, such as those found in olive oil, avocados, and nuts, is recommended.

Proteins: Structure and Function in Organisms

Proteins are biomolecules composed of chains of amino acids, which are the
building blocks of these molecules. The sequence and arrangement of amino acids
determine the structure and function of each protein. Proteins are essential for nearly all
biological processes, as they perform structural, enzymatic, transport, and defense
functions.
 Enzymes, which are catalytic proteins, accelerate chemical reactions in the
organism, allowing metabolic processes to occur at adequate rates. For example,
amylase is an enzyme that breaks down starch into simple sugars during digestion.

Moreover, transport proteins, such as hemoglobin, are responsible for transporting

oxygen in the blood, while immunoglobulins are proteins that are part of the immune
system, protecting the organism from pathogens.

Adequate protein consumption is essential for tissue growth and maintenance.

Sources of protein include meat, fish, eggs, legumes, and dairy products. A lack of protein
in the diet can lead to nutritional deficiencies and affect the overall health of the organism.

Nucleic Acids: Carriers of Genetic Information

Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information. There
are two main types: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA is the
molecule that contains the hereditary information of organisms and is composed of
nucleotides, which are the basic units made up of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a
nitrogenous base. The sequence of these bases determines the genetic characteristics
of an organism.

RNA, on the other hand, is crucial in protein synthesis, acting as an intermediary

that translates information from DNA into functional proteins. There are different types of
RNA, such as messenger RNA (mRNA), which carries genetic information from the cell
nucleus to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Research on nucleic acids has
advanced significantly, leading to the development of techniques such as biotechnology
and gene therapy, which have the potential to revolutionize the treatment of genetic
diseases and improve human health.

Conclusion

In conclusion, biomolecules are essential components of life that perform critical

functions in all organisms. Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are
fundamental for structure, energy, and biological function. Understanding the nature and
role of these biomolecules is not only crucial for biology but also has significant
implications in medicine, nutrition, and biotechnology. Ongoing research in this field will
continue to illuminate our understanding of life and its processes, as well as the
development of new strategies to improve health and human well-being.

Questions:

1. What are biomolecules? Biomolecules are chemical compounds essential for

life, found in all living organisms.

2. What are the four main classes of biomolecules? The four main classes of
biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

3. What is the main function of carbohydrates? The main function of

carbohydrates is to provide energy and structural support.

4. What is a monosaccharide? A monosaccharide is a simple sugar, like glucose,

that serves as a building block for carbohydrates.

5. What is cellulose and what function does it serve? Cellulose is a polysaccharide

that provides structural support in plant cell walls.
 6. What is the main function of lipids? The main function of lipids is energy storage
and forming cell membranes.

7. What type of lipid forms cell membranes? Phospholipids form cell membranes.

8. What are proteins and what are they composed of? Proteins are molecules
made of amino acids, essential for structure and function in organisms.

9. What do enzymes do, and what is an example? Enzymes catalyze biochemical

reactions; for example, amylase breaks down starch.

10. What are nucleic acids? Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store and
transmit genetic information.

11. What is the main function of DNA? The main function of DNA is to store genetic
information.

12. What does messenger RNA (mRNA) do? Messenger RNA (mRNA) carries
genetic instructions from DNA to the ribosome for protein synthesis.