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