Biological Macromolecules

This page delves into the structure and function of important biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. These molecules are essential for various life processes and are composed of different combinations of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and sometimes nitrogen and phosphorus.

Definition: Monomers are the building blocks of larger molecules called polymers.

Carbohydrates, with a 1:2:1 ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, function as short-term energy storage and provide structural support in plants. Proteins, made of amino acid monomers, have diverse functions including enzymatic activity, oxygen transport, and hormone production.

Example: Glucose is a monosaccharide (simple sugar) that can form polymers like cellulose in plant cell walls.

Lipids, including fats, waxes, and steroids, are non-polar molecules that serve as long-term energy storage and insulation. Phospholipids are crucial components of cell membranes.

Highlight: Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information. They are composed of nucleotide monomers containing a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.

Properties of Water

This page focuses on the unique properties of water that make it essential for life. Water's polar nature and ability to form hydrogen bonds give it characteristics that are crucial for biological processes.

Vocabulary: A hydrogen bond is a weak attraction between a slightly positive hydrogen atom and a slightly negative atom like oxygen or nitrogen.

The text explains how water acts as a universal solvent, capable of dissolving many substances due to its polar nature. This property is vital for transporting nutrients and waste in living organisms.

Definition: A solution is formed when one substance (the solute) dissolves in another substance (the solvent).

The page also discusses other important properties of water, such as cohesion (attraction between water molecules) and adhesion (attraction between water and other substances). These properties contribute to phenomena like surface tension and capillary action.

Example: The ability of some insects to walk on water is due to surface tension created by water's cohesive properties.

Highlight: Water has a high specific heat, meaning it requires a large amount of energy to increase its temperature. This property helps regulate temperature in living organisms and ecosystems.