Physical Science
Quarter 1-Module 4 and 5:
THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE
(BIOMOLECULES) and Exploring the
Structure and Function of Biological Molecules
Objectives
After going through this module, you are expected to:
[Link] the four biological macromolecules
according to their general structure;
[Link] the properties and structure of each
macromolecule;
[Link] the functions of each macromolecule, as well
as the common samples where it can be seen; and
[Link] the importance of biological
macromolecules in our life by citing their functions.
THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE
Living organisms are primarily made up of organic
compounds. The process of building organic
molecules by living organisms is called biosynthesis.
Biomolecules (also known as ‘’macromolecules)
are organic compounds that make up all living
organisms. They are all produced through the
process of biosynthesis.
“Biochemistry is the science of life. All our life
processes-walking, talking, moving, feeding- are
essentially chemical reactions.
The term “macromolecule” was coined in 1920
by Nobel Laureate Hermann Staudinger.
Staudinger was also the first to
assert that large biological
molecules are made up and formed
by covalently bonded sub-units.
Monomers and Polymers
Majority of biological macromolecules are polymers and are
made of covalently linked basic units called monomers.
Monomers that link with other monomers in various
combinations result in the formation of polymers, which have
different structures and functions.
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
Carbohydrates are made of C, H and O
(‘carbo’ – contains carbon;
‘hydrate’ – contains H and O)
Carbohydrates are one of the most
abundant macromolecules on
Earth. Literally, the term means
“hydrates of carbons” because of its
ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen.
Simple and Complex Carbohydrates
Simple and Complex Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
are composed of carbon and hydrate
(H + O). They are classified as simple
or complex sugars.
➢ Simple sugars are monosaccharides
and disaccharides
➢ Complex sugars are polysaccharides
Carbohydrates serve as primary source of energy for man,
storage of energy (glycogen), structural support for cell
(cellulose & chitin), food (starch).
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
Lipids are a large group of
substances also found in living
systems. They are insoluble in water
but are soluble in solvents that are
nonpolar or have low polarity.
Lipids have three major functions:
1. energy storage, especially in animal systems (Triglycerides)
2. structural, as part of cellular membranes (Phospholipids )
3. as chemical messengers that deliver signals from one part of
the body to another (Steroids)
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
There are several types of lipids based on
their structure but you would be more
familiar with fats and oils, also known as
triglycerides, or simply, “fats”.
Fatty acids that make up fats are either FOUR MACROMOLECULES
saturated or unsaturated. Fats and oils
may also be classified that way.
“Saturation/Unsaturation” of fats
indicates the presence or absence of
double bonds in the fatty acid chain.
▪ Unsaturated fats have at least one pair of double-bonded carbons, are
liquid at room temperature, and are commonly extracted from plants.
▪ Saturated fats do not have double-bonded hydrocarbons, are solid even
at room temperature, and present in animal fats. You may also have
heard about trans fats.
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
Nucleic acids are the most
important biomolecules in the
continuity of life. They store genetic
information in the cell, and are in
the form of either DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA
(ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides. Nucleotides have three
components: pentose sugar (5-carbon sugar), phosphate
group, and nitrogenous base.
Nucleic Acid
Nucleic acids are biological macromolecules
vital in the continuity of life. Nucleic acid
carries the genetic material of a cell and
provides instructions for the functioning of
the cell.
Two main types of nucleic acids
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA)
ribonucleic acid (RNA).
DNA carries genetic material found in all
living organisms.
Features of DNA and RNA
FOUR MACROMOLECULES
Proteins are some of the most
complex macromolecules in terms
of structure and function. The
building blocks of proteins are the
amino acids of which 20 are
known. An amino acid has an
amino group, a carboxylic group,
and an R group or side chain.
Proteins
Proteins are polymers of amino
acids arranged in a linear
sequence of amino acid which is
also consist of a central carbon
atom (alpha) attached to an amino
acid group, a carboxyl group,
hydrogen atom and variable
component known as side chain.
Proteins are classified based
on their function.
1. Keratin in the hair is an example of a structural protein.
2. Hormones like insulin are regulatory proteins.
3. Actin and myosin proteins are for movement, and are called
contractile proteins.
4. Antibodies that are produced by the white blood cells are
called protective proteins.
5. Hemoglobin which carries oxygen gas is an example of a
transport protein.
6. Egg albumin is a storage protein that serves as nourishment
for the developing embryo.
BUILDING BLOCKS
Biological Molecules
