Biology 4
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saket suman bhattBiology 4
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saket suman bhattBIOMOLECULE
It is an organic compound normally present as an essential component of
living organisms.
Carbohydrates
● Carbohydrates (polysaccharides) are long chains of sugars.
● A carbohydrate is a biological molecule consisting of carbon (C),
hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms, in other words, with the empirical
formula Cm(H2O)n
● The primary function of carbohydrates is for short-term energy storage.
● A secondary function is intermediate-term energy storage (as in starch
for plants and glycogen for animals).
Carbohydrates are 3 types:
● Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates with only
one simple sugar. e.g. Glucose - Fructose - Galactose
● Disaccharides are formed when two monosaccharides, or two single
simple sugars, form a bond with removal of water. e.g. Lactose-
Sucrose-Maltose
● Polysaccharides are polymerized monosaccharides, or complex
carbohydrates. e.g. Starch- Glycogen-Cellulose
Proteins
● Proteins are heteropolymers of strings of amino acids. Amino acids are
joined together by the peptide bond which is formed in between the carboxyl
group and amino group of successive amino acids.
● Animal Protein contains the most biological value because it contains all
essential amino acids (Meat, Milk, Fish, Eggs, etc.)
● Plant Protein contains a lower biological value to humans because it
contains fewer essential amino acids (Cereals, Peas, Beans, etc.)
● Protein is known as 'bodybuilding food’. Kwashiorkor is a form of
malnutrition caused by a lack of protein in the diet.
● Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including
catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli,
providing structure to cells and organisms, and transporting molecules from
one location to another.
Lipids (fats)
● Lipids are fatty compounds that perform a variety of functions in
your body. They help with moving and storing energy, absorbing
vitamins and making hormones.
● Lipids are composed of long hydrocarbon chains. Lipid molecules
hold a large amount of energy and are energy storage molecules.
● Fatty acids can be unsaturated and saturated fatty acids. e.g. oils,
fats, phospholipids, glycolipids, etc.
● In the human body, these molecules can be synthesized in the liver
and are found in oil, butter, whole milk, cheese, fried foods and also
in some red meats.
Roughage or Dietary Fiber or Bulk
● It includes the parts of plant foods your body can't digest or absorb.
● Fiber is commonly classified as soluble, which dissolves in water, or
insoluble, which doesn't dissolve.
● Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like material. It can help
lower blood cholesterol and glucose levels. It is found in oats, peas, beans,
apples, citrus fruits, carrots, barley and psyllium.
● Insoluble fiber promotes the movement of material through your
digestive system and increases stool bulk, so it can be of benefit to those who
struggle with constipation or irregular stools.
● Whole wheat flour, wheat bran, nuts, beans and vegetables, are good
sources of insoluble fiber.
Vitamin
● A vitamin is defined as an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an
organism requires in limited amounts.
● It cannot be synthesized in sufficient quantities by an organism, and must
be obtained from the diet.
● There are two types of vitamins: fat soluble and water-soluble.
● Fat-soluble (Vitamins A, D, E, and K) requiring fat in order to be absorbed.
● Water-soluble vitamins (Vitamin B & C) are not stored in your body;
Therefore, they need to be replenished daily.
Vitamin Sources and Deficiency & Sufficiency Diseases Chart
Mineral Nutrients or Dietary Mineral
Minerals are among the essential elements required by the body including
carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and water.
These are two types, such as Macronutrients and Micronutrients.
Macronutrients
Elements which are present in large amounts in plant tissues are called
macronutrients. e.g. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur,
potassium, calcium and magnesium.
Micronutrients or Trace Elements
Elements which are present in small amounts, e.g. Iron, manganese, copper,
molybdenum, zinc, copper, boron, chlorine and nickel.
Minerals and their Function in the Human body
WATER
● All biochemical reactions occur in water. It fills the spaces in and between
cells and helps form structures of large molecules such as protein and
glycogen.
● About 70% of the human body consists of water.