Biomolecules are organic molecules that are essential for life and are found in all living organisms. They include carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins. These biomolecules play crucial roles in a variety of physiological processes, including energy production, cellular communication, and structural support.
There are many different types of biomolecules, each with its own unique structure and function. Carbohydrates are molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, and they serve as a primary source of energy for living organisms. They can be classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides, or polysaccharides, depending on the number of sugar units they contain.
Lipids are another type of biomolecule that includes fats, oils, and waxes. They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms, but in a different ratio than carbohydrates. Lipids are important for energy storage, insulation, and structural support in cells.
Nucleic acids are biomolecules that store and transmit genetic information. There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA stores genetic information in the form of a code made up of four nucleotide bases (adenine, thymine, cytosine, and guanine), while RNA uses the same four bases but also includes the base uracil.
Proteins are complex biomolecules made up of long chains of amino acids. They perform a wide range of functions in the body, including catalyzing chemical reactions, transporting molecules, and providing structural support. There are 20 different amino acids that can be combined in various ways to create different proteins.
Here are some sample test questions on biomolecules:
Which of the following is NOT a type of biomolecule? a) Carbohydrates b) Lipids c) Nucleic acids d) Minerals
Which of the following is NOT a function of proteins? a) Catalyzing chemical reactions b) Transporting molecules c) Providing structural support d) Storing energy
Which of the following is NOT a type of carbohydrate? a) Monosaccharides b) Disaccharides c) Polysaccharides d) Triglycerides
Which of the following is NOT a type of nucleic acid? a) DNA b) RNA c) ATP d) Protein
Which of the following is NOT an amino acid? a) Alanine b) Cysteine c) Glutamine d) Potassium
Answers: 1) d, 2) d, 3) d, 4) d, 5) d