Biomolecules: You are
what you eat
Obj.: B.9A: Students will be able to compare the
structure and function of biomolecules, including
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
Carbon
 Carbon:
it is called the building block
life because carbon atoms are the
basis of most molecules that make up
living things.
 Carbon is found nearly everywhere!
What happens to the food you eat?
mitochondri
a
• Food (made of biomolecules)
gets broken down into its basic
building blocks or monomers.
• Then, it is absorbed into the
blood from the small
intestines.
• Lastly, it is taken up by the
trillions of cells in your body to
be converted into energy
(ATP) or building materials.
Definitions:

Biomolecules: any molecule that is found in living
things.

Monomer: a molecule that binds to other
molecules to make polymers.

Polymer: A large molecule that is made up of
smaller molecules called monomers.
Element
Essential Elements of Life:
Carbon
 Hydrogen
 Oxygen
 Nitrogen
 Phosphorus

Which is known as the building block of life?
Biomolecules
4 Types of Biomolecules or Macromolecules:

Carbohydrates

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic Acids
We eat to produce ATP and building materials!
Carbohydrates
 Made
up of C,H,O
 Function: source of energy
 Examples: sugar, rice, apples, bread
 Polymer: polysaccharide (carbohydrates)
 Monomer: monosaccharide
Monosaccharide
Lipids
 Made
of C,H,O
 Function: Store energy
 Examples: wax, oil, butter,
cholesterol
 Structure: 1 glycerol
and 3 fatty acids
Proteins

Made of C,H,O,N

Function: Building and repairing cells, speeds up or slows
down chemical reactions

Examples: meat/muscle, hair, nails, enzymes

Polymer: Polypeptide (proteins)

Monomer: amino acid
Enzymes
 Proteins
that speed up chemical
reactions in the cell (catalysts).
 Catabolism - breaking molecules
 Anabolism – making molecules
Nucleic Acids

Made of C,H,O,N,P

Function: Store genetic information, determines
physical appearance

Example: DNA, RNA, ATP (energy)

Polymer: nucleic acids

Monomer: nucleotides
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
What biomolecule is the following?
Biomolecules Foldable
Outside: Label 4 flaps: Carbohydrates, Lipids,
Proteins, and Nucleic Acids and draw your favorite
biomolecule for each (add color)
Inside: Label each section: Carbohydrates, Lipids,
Proteins, and Nucleic Acids and Include the
function, elements, structure, and 2 of your own
examples for each biomolecule.