1

UNIT 2: Biological Molecules

Abubakarr B. Kamara

BIOL 1301: Introduction to Biology

Learning Journal Unit 2

Prakhar Srivastava (Instructor)

University of the People

September 17, 2024.

 2

TABLE COMPARING THE FOUR MAJOR BIOLOGICAL

MACROMOLECULES

Macromolecule Monomer Nature of Monomer Specific Specific Functions

Building Blocks Examples

Carbohydrates Monosaccharides Composed of carbon, Glucose, Starch, Primary energy source:

(e.g., glucose, hydrogen, and Glycogen, Glucose provides

fructose) oxygen in a ratio of Cellulose immediate energy for

1:2:1; typically cellular activities.

represented as
Energy storage:
(CH₂O)n
Glycogen in animals and

starch in plants store

energy.

Structural support:

Cellulose in plant cell

walls provides rigidity and

strength

Lipids Fatty acids and Hydrophobic, non- Triglycerides,

glycerol polar molecules Phospholipids,

- Long-term
consisting of long Steroids
energy storage:
chains of
Triglycerides store
hydrocarbons (fatty
energy efficiently
acids) linked to a
- Membrane
glycerol backbone
structure:
 3

Phospholipids form

the structural basis

of cellular

membranes

- Hormonal roles:

Steroids such as

cholesterol and

hormones regulate

biological processes

Proteins Amino acids (20 Each amino acid Hemoglobin, Catalysis: Enzymes

types) contains a central Enzymes (e.g., accelerate biochemical

carbon bonded to an amylase, reactions (e.g., amylase

amine group (NH₂), a lipase), breaks down starch)

carboxyl group Collagen

Transport: Hemoglobin
(COOH), and a
carries oxygen in red
variable R group that
blood cells
defines its properties
Structural roles: Collagen

provides structural

support in tissues such as

skin and bones

Nucleic Acids Nucleotides Composed of three DNA, RNA, Genetic information

(Adenine, components: a ATP storage: DNA encodes

Thymine, phosphate group, a hereditary information

Cytosine, five-carbon sugar Protein synthesis: RNA

 4

Guanine, Uracil) (ribose or plays a critical role in

deoxyribose), and a translating genetic

nitrogenous base instructions into proteins

Energy transfer: ATP is

the primary molecule for

storing and transferring

energy in cells.

Explanation of the Table Structure:

Carbohydrates are essential for energy storage and structural integrity in cells, especially

glucose and cellulose.

Lipids serve critical roles in long-term energy storage, cellular membrane structure, and

hormone production, making them vital for both energy management and cellular function.

Proteins are highly versatile, acting as enzymes to catalyze reactions, transport molecules

like hemoglobin, and provide structural support, as in collagen.

Nucleic Acids are the fundamental molecules of life, responsible for storing genetic

information (DNA), facilitating protein synthesis (RNA), and supplying energy for cellular

activities (ATP).
 5

Reference

OpenStax. (2017). Biology. Rice University. https://openstax.org/books/biology