Biomolecules Cheat Sheet

Key Definitions

• Carbohydrates: Organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, primarily used for energy. ✅

• Proteins: Large biomolecules composed of amino acids, crucial for structure and function in living organisms. ✅

• Lipids: Hydrophobic molecules including fats, oils, and steroids, important for energy storage and membrane structure. ✅

• Nucleic Acids: Polymers (DNA & RNA) that store and transmit genetic information. ✅

Important Concepts

Classification of Biomolecules

• Monomers: Basic units (e.g., monosaccharides for carbohydrates, amino acids for proteins). ✅

• Polymers: Large molecules formed from monomers (e.g., starch from glucose). ✅

Functions of Biomolecules

• Carbohydrates: Energy source, structural components (e.g., cellulose in plants). ✅

• Proteins: Catalysts (enzymes), transporters, signaling molecules. ✅

• Lipids: Energy storage, insulation, cellular membranes. ✅

• Nucleic Acids: Genetic blueprint (DNA) and protein synthesis (RNA). ✅

Key Formulas

C_nH_(2n+2) (General formula for alkanes) ✅

• n: number of carbon atoms

ΔG = ΔH - TΔS (Gibbs Free Energy) ✅

• ΔG: change in free energy

• ΔH: change in enthalpy

• T: temperature in Kelvin

• ΔS: change in entropy

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common Mistake: Confusing saturated and unsaturated fats; remember that saturated fats have no double bonds. ⚠️

Memory Tricks

Tip: "CHNOPS" — Carbon, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulfur — the six essential elements in biomolecules. ✅

Key Diagrams

Carbohydrate Structure:
  H   O   H
   \  |  /
    C--C
   /  |  \
  H   O   H
Protein Structure (Primary):
  Amino Acid Sequence:
  H2N - C - COOH
     |
     R