Biology (Biology for Engineers) | Module 4: Biomolecules - The Universal Building Blocks of Life by Prakhar Chauhan | Learn Smarter
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Module 4: Biomolecules - The Universal Building Blocks of Life

The module explores the fundamental principles that all living organisms are composed of biomolecules, including carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, and lipids. Each biomolecule class is described in terms of its structure, function, and the processes of polymerization and depolymerization. The chapter emphasizes how these biomolecules demonstrate the unity and diversity of life through their molecular architecture and roles in biological processes.

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Sections

  • 4

    Biomolecules - The Universal Building Blocks Of Life

    This section explores the fundamental biomolecules that constitute all forms of life, focusing on their structural components and essential functions.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.1

    The Universal Building Blocks: Life's Fundamental Molecules

    Biomolecules, primarily carbon-based, serve as the universal building blocks of life.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2

    Monomeric Units And Polymeric Structures: The Assembly Principle

    This section explains how biomolecules are built from monomeric units into complex polymeric structures through polymerization and depolymerization processes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.1

    Monomers

    Monomers are the fundamental building blocks of biomolecules, linking together to form complex polymers essential for life.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.2

    Polymers

    Polymers are large macromolecules formed by linking monomeric units through chemical bonding, crucial for the structure and function of biomolecules.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3

    The Processes Of Polymerization And Depolymerization

    This section describes the processes of polymerization and depolymerization, focusing on how biomolecules are formed and broken down.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3.1

    Polymerization (Dehydration Synthesis / Condensation Reaction)

    Polymerization is a critical process in biology where monomers are linked to form polymers through dehydration synthesis, releasing water as a byproduct.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.3.2

    Depolymerization (Hydrolysis)

    Depolymerization or hydrolysis is the biochemical process through which polymers are broken down into their constituent monomers by the addition of water.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.4

    Summary Of Monomer-Polymer Relationships For The Four Major Biomolecule Classes

    This section outlines the monomeric units and polymeric structures of the four major classes of biomolecules, emphasizing their assembly and implications in biological functions.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.2.5

    Note On Lipids

    Lipids are diverse biomolecules primarily involved in energy storage, membrane formation, and signaling, notable for not being true polymers.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3

    Carbohydrates: Sugars, Starch, And Cellulose

    Carbohydrates are key biomolecules serving as energy sources and structural components in organisms, encompassing simple sugars, disaccharides, and complex polysaccharides like starch and cellulose.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.1

    Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars): The Monomers

    Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates, serving as crucial monomers in biological molecules and energy sources for living organisms.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.2

    Disaccharides

    Disaccharides are carbohydrates formed by the covalent linkage of two monosaccharides via glycosidic bonds.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.3.3

    Polysaccharides (Complex Carbohydrates): The Polymers

    Polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides linked by glycosidic bonds, serving vital roles in energy storage and structural support in living organisms.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4

    Amino Acids And Proteins

    Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, which perform a vast array of functions in the cell owing to their diverse structures.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.1

    Amino Acids: The Monomers

    Amino acids are the fundamental building blocks of proteins, classified based on their unique side chains and properties.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.4.2

    Polypeptides And Proteins: The Polymers

    Polypeptides, formed by amino acids linked via peptide bonds, represent the polymers that fold into functional proteins, essential for biological functions.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5

    Nucleotides And Dna/rna

    This section discusses the structure and function of nucleotides as the building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA), highlighting their role in genetic information storage and cellular processes.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.1

    Nucleotides: The Monomers

    Nucleotides are the fundamental building blocks of nucleic acids, consisting of a pentose sugar, a nitrogenous base, and one or more phosphate groups.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.2

    Polynucleotides: Dna And Rna (The Polymers)

    This section discusses the structure and function of polynucleotides, specifically DNA and RNA, and their significance as the genetic material and information carriers in living organisms.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.5.3

    The Central Dogma Of Molecular Biology

    The Central Dogma of Molecular Biology describes the flow of genetic information from DNA to RNA and then to protein.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.6

    Lipids: Diverse Structures From Two-Carbon Units

    Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic molecules primarily defined by their insolubility in water and functionality in energy storage, membrane formation, and signaling.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.6.1

    Building Blocks: Fatty Acids And Glycerol (And Two-Carbon Units)

    This section explores the fundamental building blocks of lipids, highlighting the roles of fatty acids and glycerol.

    Learning Practice

  • 4.6.2

    Major Classes Of Lipids

    Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic molecules primarily involved in energy storage, biological membrane formation, and signaling.

    Learning Practice

References

Untitled document (12).pdf

Class Notes

Memorization

What we have learnt

  • All forms of life share a c...
  • Biomolecules can form large...
  • The four major classes of b...

Final Test

Revision Tests