Biomolecules: Definition and Types

KOMPAS.com – Molecule is a combination of two or more atoms. In chemistry, apart from molecule there is also what is called biomolecules. What is a biomolecule? The following is understanding of biomolecules along with the types!

Reported from Encyclopedia Britannica, a biomolecule or biological molecule is one of the many substances produced by cells and living organisms. Because they come from living things, biomolecules are also referred to as organic compounds.

Biomolecules usually a macromolecule or a larger molecule because it is composed of much smaller organic molecules. According to Lumen Learning, organic molecules make biomolecules containing the element carbon.

However, the carbon contained is not carbon dioxide. In addition to carbon, biomolecules also contain various combinations of other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, and other elements.

Also read: Principles of Molecular Formation

Reported from Biology LibreTextsThere are four main types of biomolecules, namely carbohydrates, fats, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrate

Carbohydrates are biomolecules consisting of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are one of the most important molecules because they are a source of energy for the body to grow and develop.

Carbohydrates are further divided into three types, namely monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Examples of monosaccharides are glucose and fructose. Examples of disaccharides are maltose and lactose. Meanwhile, examples of polysaccharides are starch and cellulose.

Also read: Functions and Sources of Fat

Lipid

Lipids are water-insoluble biomolecules containing the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Reported from Lumen Learning, lipids in the body function to store energy in the long term, isolate temperature, arrange hormones, and much more.

Lipid biomolecules are divided into four types, namely fats, oils, phospholipids, and steroids.

Protein

Proteins are biomolecules that contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Proteins are biomolecules that have the most diverse types and functions.

For example, proteins can have structural functions that build some body tissues. For example, keratin which builds nails and hair or myosin and actin which builds muscle. Proteins can also be enzymes, hormones, and antibodies.

Also read: What are the Functions of Protein in the Body?

Nucleic acid

Nucleic acids are biomolecules that hold the key to survival. This is because nucleic acids carry the properties that will appear in a living thing. These properties are passed down from generation to generation through nucleic acids.

Nucleic acids are divided into two types, namely deoxyribosenucleic acid or DNA and ribonucleic acid or better known as RNA.

Get updates news of choice and breaking news every day from Kompas.com. Let’s join the Telegram group “Kompas.com News Update”, how to click the link https://t.me/kompascomupdate, then join. You must first install the Telegram application on your cellphone.– .