Introduction to Biomolecules Flashcards
What four major elements form the human body?
Composed of four major elements:
* Carbon: 50%
* Oxygen: 20%
* Hydrogen: 10%
* Nitrogen: 8.5%
Percentages of each biomolecule in the human body
What are the major biomolecules?
- DNA
- RNA
- Proteins
- Polysaccharides
- Lipids
What is the monomeric form of DNA?
Deoxynucleotide
What is the function of DNA?
Responsible for carrying and transmitting the hereditary materials or the genetic instructions from parents to offsprings
What is the monomeric form of RNA?
Ribonucleotide
What is the function of RNA?
Enables the synthesis of proteins
What is the monomeric form of proteins?
Amino acids
What are the functions of proteins?
Proteins have a number of functional roles. Examples:
* Oxygen transport
* Enzymes
* Antibodies
* Structural proteins
* Contractile proteins
What is the monomeric form of polysaccharides?
Glucose
What is the major fucntion of polysaccharides?
Short-term storage of energy
What is the monomeric form of lipids?
Fatty acids
What are the major functions of lipids?
Membrane components
Long-term energy storage as triacylglycerols
What disorders are associated with each types of biomolecule?
Nucleic acid > Genetic diseases
Proteins > Sickle Cell Anemia
Lipids > Atherosclerosis
Carbohydrates > Diabetes Mellitus
How much of the human body is composed of water?
72-78%
70% of water intrecellularly and 30% extracellularly