Biomolecules: What We Are
Made Of.
Shannon Harris and Mattison Huggins
Biomolecules:
• The Building Blocks of Life
• 4 main molecules: Nucleic
Acids, Glucose, Lipids, and
Amino Acids.
• The main element in all of
them is Carbon. (many
other elements make up
these molecules as well)
• All work together to sustain
life.
Nucleic
Acids:
• Store genetic information, which
build the structure of proteins.
• The monomers of nucleic acids are
nucleotides.
• They are found in living organisms.
• It is not necessary to take in nucleic
acids, because the body produces
them naturally.
• Nucleic acids make up DNA (double
stranded) found in nucleus.
• Also makes up RNA (single stranded)
which is used to transcribe proteins.
Lipids
• Store energy for the
body (ex. Fats)
• Structural components
of membranes (ex. Cell
membrane)
• Used as messengers.
(ex. Hormones)
• Insoluble in water and
only soluble in nonpolar solvent. (ex.
• Monomers are: fatty
acids, glycerol, and oils.
Glucose:
Honey
Milk
Candy
Popcorn
Raisins
Jelly
• The primary type of sugar
running through blood
vessels.
• Our body produces and
intakes insulin, which
controls the body's level of
glucose.
• Starches, alcohol, and
dietary fibers contain
glucose.
Amino
Acids:
Examples of Amino Acids:
Beans
Nuts
Eggs
Legumes/Fruit
Soy
Beef
Chicken
Fish
• Non-essential: Amino Acids the
body synthesizes itself.
• Essential: Amino acids which
food supplies to the body.
• Transports vitamins, minerals
through blood vessels.
• Create hormones, anti-bodies,
and enzymes. (These Protect the
immune system.)
• Create Keratin and Collagen:
good for hair, skin, nails, teeth,
bones, and blood vessels.
• The basic ingredients to make
protein, which supplies the body
with energy.
Acknowledgements
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Dr. Rahman Tashakkori
Dr. Jennifer Burris
Dr. Nicole Bennett
Dr. Barry Kurtz
Summer Bridge Academy of Science 2011
– (NSF supported)
Citations
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http://www.sciencephoto.com/media/214205/view
http://www.healthynutritiondict.com/food-nutrition
www.livingstrong.com/article/234123-types-of-glucose/
www.goodgreenties.com/tag/peanut-butter/
http://theoutragousexperiment.com/2011/07/711/
http://apbio82007.blogspot.com/2007/11/nucleic-acids.html
http://ibdcrohns.about.com/od/glossary/g/amino-acids.htm
http://medicaldictionary.freedicitionary.com/biomolocules