Biomolecules | SSC CGL Tier 2 - Study Material, Online Tests, Previous Year PDF Download

Understanding Biomolecules

Categories of Biomolecules

1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, often recognized as sugars or substances with a sweet taste, are chemically defined as polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones. Termed saccharides (Greek: sakcharon = sugar), they are categorized into monosaccharides (1 unit), oligosaccharides (2-10 units), and polysaccharides (more than 10 units) based on hydrolysis outcomes. Functionally, carbohydrates serve as a primary dietary energy source and contribute structurally, such as cellulose forming a crucial fiber in plants.

2. Proteins
Constituting around 50% of cellular dry weight, proteins are indispensable biomolecules. They are polymers of amino acids forming polypeptide chains. Protein structures, classified as primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary, reflect the complexity of polypeptide folding. Proteins play dual roles, serving both structural and dynamic functions. For instance, myosin enables muscle movement through contraction, and enzymes, vital catalysts, are predominantly proteinaceous.

3. Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, the carriers of hereditary information, encompass two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Responsible for genetic information transfer and protein synthesis through translation and transcription processes, nucleic acids consist of monomeric units called nucleotides. Comprising a nitrogenous base, pentose sugar, and phosphate, nucleotides form distinct entities based on their attached nitrogen base. The DNA structure, resembling a double helix, is characterized by hydrogen bonding between bases of antiparallel polynucleotide chains.

4. Lipids
Lipids, organic substances insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents, constitute a diverse group including fats, waxes, sterols, and more. Unlike polymeric molecules, lipids play a crucial role in cellular structure and serve as a significant energy source.

Understanding the diversity and roles of these biomolecules unveils the intricate tapestry of life's biochemical processes.