Biomolecules
Biomolecules
Biomolecules (pronounced: /ˌbaɪoʊˈmɒlɪkjuːlz/) are any molecules that are produced by living organisms, including large macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as small molecules like primary metabolites, secondary metabolites, and natural products.
Etymology
The term "biomolecule" is a portmanteau of the words "biological" and "molecule". It was first used in the late 19th century to describe molecules that exist in living organisms.
Types of Biomolecules
There are four main types of biomolecules:
- Proteins - These are large biomolecules and macromolecules that comprise one or more long chains of amino acid residues. Proteins perform a vast array of functions within organisms, including catalysing metabolic reactions, DNA replication, responding to stimuli, providing structure to cells and organisms, and transporting molecules from one location to another.
- Nucleic Acids - These are biomolecules essential to all known forms of life. The two main types of nucleic acids are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). DNA and RNA are made up of monomers known as nucleotides.
- Carbohydrates - Also known as saccharides, are biomolecules consisting of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms, usually with a hydrogen–oxygen atom ratio of 2:1 (as in water). They are often referred to as sugars, starches, and fibers.
- Lipids - These are a group of naturally occurring molecules that include fats, waxes, sterols, fat-soluble vitamins (such as vitamins A, D, E, and K), monoglycerides, diglycerides, triglycerides, and phospholipids.
Related Terms
- Macromolecule - A very large molecule, such as a polymer or protein, consisting of many smaller structural units linked together. Also known as a supermolecule.
- Metabolite - A substance formed in or necessary for metabolism. In humans, the major metabolites are glucose, amino acids, fatty acids, and nitrogenous bases.
- Natural Product - A chemical compound or substance produced by a living organism.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Biomolecules
- Wikipedia's article - Biomolecules
This WikiMD dictionary article is a stub. You can help make it a full article.
Languages: - East Asian
中文,
日本,
한국어,
South Asian
हिन्दी,
Urdu,
বাংলা,
తెలుగు,
தமிழ்,
ಕನ್ನಡ,
Southeast Asian
Indonesian,
Vietnamese,
Thai,
မြန်မာဘာသာ,
European
español,
Deutsch,
français,
русский,
português do Brasil,
Italian,
polski