Definition and Classification of Biomolecules

Definition & Classification of Biomolecules

Living organisms are actively involved in growth, reproduction, and sustenance itself. Every living organism comprises both atoms and molecules. Living organisms are made from different biomolecules, which can further be subdivided into carbohydrates, protein, lipids, and nucleic acids.

The biomolecules interact and contribute to molecular life processes. In other words, Biomolecules are produced from cell interaction within a living organism. They might differ in size and structure; hence their functions are varied.

Biomolecules

Molecules are electrically neutral groups and prevail in a free state while retaining their properties. Many Biomolecules might be composed of polymers made from repeated units of polymerization. However, the majority of the biomolecule compounds are present in organic form because they contain carbon atoms.

The organic components are made of carbons, hydrogen, nitrogen, and oxygen. Biomolecules are subdivided into four major parts: proteins, lipids, amino acids, and nucleic acids. Though, many subgroups might be collated for unique elements described below.

• Proteins are combined with carbohydrates to form glycoproteins.
• Lipoproteins are obtained through a combination of proteins and lipids
• Lipids and carbohydrates together transform into glycolipids.

Carbohydrates

They are a huge part of organic compounds occurring naturally. They are produced through processes performed by plants. In chemical composition, carbohydrates are active ketones that produce hydrolysis units. The carbohydrates that have a sweet taste are often named sugar. Carbohydrates’ types of Biomolecules can be further subdivided into three groups.

• Monosaccharides: Examples of Monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and ribose. The hydrolysed carbohydrates to form ketone, which is a more straightforward unit of polyhydroxy, are named Monosaccharides.
• Oligosaccharides: Carbohydrates that produce more than two units of Monosaccharides through hydrolysis are called Oligosaccharides. These can be further subdivided into disaccharides, tetrasaccharides, and trisaccharides.
• Polysaccharides: Carbohydrates that produce higher amounts of Monosaccharides, including starch, cellulose, gums, and others.

Based on carbohydrate classification, it might be sugar reducing or non-reducing. Carbohydrates also form an essential part of the food. They form an essential part of the plant and animal’s process.

Proteins

Proteins are essential for the growth and maintenance of living organisms. Proteins are present in abundant amounts within the biomolecules of living organisms. Protein is obtained through sources like milk, peanuts, fish, and others. The protein polymers are a derivation from amino acids.

Proteins are further subdivided into fibrous and globular. The fibrous proteins are formed through polypeptide chains combined for hydrogen and disulphide bonds. They are not soluble in water, of which typical examples are keratin and myosin. The globular proteins are water-soluble and form a spherical shape due to polypeptide coil chains. Some of the common examples would include insulins and albumins.

Proteins are the composition of polymers of amino acid residues. Each protein is built with a different polymer of different amino acids. The amino acids are joined together with peptide bonds. The specified amino acid bond in the sequences is determined by the cell’s DNA that produces them. Generally, 20 standard amino acids are specified for typical genetic codes.

Some organisms have more specific genetic codes than others, such as archaea. The amino acids sequenced are vital because they determine a protein’s overall function and structure. Some proteins create a complex structure with other biomolecules rather than peptides. Some of these non-provide group proteins are cofactors of prosthetic groups.

Nucleic Acids

How do the ancestors have similarities with the upcoming generations? The genetic characteristics are transferred from one generation to another due to the nucleus present in the living cells. In general terms, the nucleus is known as heredity. Nucleic acids are the natural chemical compounds that carry primary information of the molecules to the cells. This plays a vital role in protein synthesis. There are two main nucleic acid types: DNA, or Deoxyribonucleic acid, and RNA or ribonucleic acid.

Lipids

Biological substances that can be insoluble in water are known as lipids. The characteristics of lipids are very different from other biomolecules, such as protein, carbohydrate, nucleic acid, etc. fats are the types of lipids that negatively impact health. Lipid plays a vital role in energy storage, protection, communication, and structural support.

Some examples of lipids are triglycerides, phospholipids, etc. Fatty acids help to block lipid building. It is from the carboxyl acid group, which means it contains four carbon atoms at the end of the chain. These carbon atoms in the chain make this insoluble in water. Unlike other Biomolecules groups, fatty acids do not bond to form a long chain. Therefore, all the lipid groups do not contain fatty acids.

Conclusion

Biomolecules are essential to make all living organisms’ function correctly. A living organism or cell cannot live without molecules under biomolecule groups. Several macromolecules and small molecules fall under the biomolecule category, such as protein, carbohydrate, enzymes, amino acids, vitamins, hormones, fatty acids, etc. This article has covered all the essential details of Biomolecules and their presence in different living molecules.