60 Examples of Biomolecules

Biomolecules are molecules present in all living beings. It could be said that biomolecules make up all living beings, regardless of their size. For example: ketones, collagen, DNA.

Each molecule (which constitutes a biomolecule) is made up of atoms of certain chemical elements . The chemical elements that make up biomolecules are called bioelements, which are:  carbon (C) , hydrogen (H) , oxygen (O) , nitrogen (N) , sulfur (S) , and phosphorus (P) . Each biomolecule will be composed of some of these bioelements.

• It may be useful for you: Bioelements

Function of biomolecules

The main function of biomolecules is to be a constituent part of all living beings. Furthermore, biomolecules form the structure of the cell and perform important activities.

Types of biomolecules

Biomolecules can be classified into:

• Inorganic biomolecules. They do not have a carbon-based structure, but are necessary to sustain life in living beings. For example: mineral salts , water (H ₂ O), some gases such as carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ), among others.
• Organic biomolecules. Their structure is based on carbon and other bioelements, although they may also contain some metals such as iron (Fe). They can be classified according to their chemical composition or their specific functions in organisms.

There are several types of organic biomolecules:

• Carbohydrates . The cell needs carbohydratesbecause they provide a great source of energy. Carbohydrates are primarily made up of three bioelements: carbon , hydrogen , and oxygen . These biomolecules can be simple or very complex, and can be classified according to the number of molecular units that make up their structure into:
  • Monosaccharides. They have a single simple carbohydrate molecule. Glucose is an example of a monosaccharide and is present in the blood of living organisms.
  • Disaccharides. The union of two monosaccharides forms a disaccharide. For example, the sugar we use every day is composed of sucrose.
  • Polysaccharides. The union of three or more monosaccharides results in a polysaccharide biomolecule. Some are starch (found in potatoes) and glycogen (found in the body of living beings, mainly in the muscles and liver).
• Lipids. Lipids form cell membranes and are the body’s energy reserves. Sometimes they can be vitamins or hormones . They are made up of a fatty acid and an alcohol , although they can also have other functional groups in their structure. They also have long chains of carbon and hydrogen atoms. They can only dissolve in substances such as alcohol , benzene, chloroform, or ether. Therefore, they cannot dissolve in water. They can be subdivided according to their specific function into different groups:
  • Lipids with an energy function. They are found in the form of fat in animals . It is the characteristic adipose tissue found under the skin of many living beings. This lipid creates an insulating and protective layer against the cold. Lipids are also present in plant leaves , preventing them from drying out easily.
  • Lipids with a structural function. They are phospholipids (they contain phosphate groups, PO ₄ ^3- ) and form the cell membrane.
  • Lipids with hormonal function. Also called “ steroids .” For example: human sex hormones.
  • Lipids with vitamin function. These lipids are involved in the transport of fat-soluble vitamins A, D, and K.
• Proteins. These are biomolecules that perform various functions in the body. They are made up of amino acids , which are simpler biomolecules composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen.
  There are 20 types of fundamental amino acids. The combination of these amino acids results in different proteins. Proteins can be classified according to their function as:
  • Structural proteins. These are responsible for the shape, rigidity, and flexibility of the bodies of all living beings. For example: keratin and collagen.
  • Hormonal proteins. They regulate some of the body’s functions. For example, insulin, which controls the entry of glucose into the cell.
  • Defense proteins. They function as the body’s defense system, that is, they are responsible for attacking and defending the body from microorganisms , bacteria , or viruses . For example, white blood cells, specifically lymphocytes, are cells that produce antibodies that fight viruses and bacteria.
  • Transport proteins. These proteins are responsible for transporting substances or molecules through the blood. For example, hemoglobin transports oxygen.
  • Enzyme-acting proteins. They accelerate chemical reactions in the body, such as the assimilation of nutrients by different organs. For example, amylase breaks down glucose to allow for better assimilation by the body.
• Nucleic acids. They are polymers formed by units called nucleotides (molecules composed of a nitrogenous base, a pentose, and a phosphate group). Their main function is to transmit genetic information from generation to generation. They also control the process of protein synthesis. There are two types of nucleic acids:
  • DNA(deoxyribonucleic acid).
  • RNA(ribonucleic acid).
• See also: Monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides

Examples of biomolecules: carbohydrates

Monosaccharides

1. Aldosa
2. Ketose
3. Deoxyribose
4. Fructose
5. Galactose
6. Glucose

Disaccharides

7. Cellobiose
8. Isomaltose
9. Lactose or milk sugar
10. Maltose or malt sugar
11. Sucrose or cane and beet sugar

Polysaccharides

12. Hyaluronic acid
13. Agarose
14. Starch
15. Amylopectin: branched starch
16. Amylose
17. Cellulose
18. Dermatan sulfate
19. Fructosan
20. Glycogen
21. Paramilón
22. Peptidoglycans
23. Proteoglycans
24. Keratan sulfate
25. Chitin
26. Xylan

Examples of foods that contain biomolecules: lipids

27. Avocado (Unsaturated fats)
28. Peanut (Unsaturated fats)
29. Pork (Saturated fat)
30. Ham (Saturated fats)
31. Milk (Saturated Fat)
32. Nuts (Unsaturated fats)
33. Olive (Unsaturated fats)
34. Fish (Polyunsaturated fats)
35. Cheeses (Saturated fats)
36. Canola seed (Unsaturated fats)
37. Bacon (Saturated Fat)

Examples of biomolecules: proteins

Structural proteins

1. Collagen (secreted by fibrous connective tissue)
2. Glycoproteins (part of cell membranes)
3. Elastin (part of elastic connective tissue)
4. Keratin (part of the upper layers of the epidermis)
5. Histones (form chromatin, which in turn forms chromosomes)

Hormonal proteins

1. Calcitonin (involved in the regulation of calcium and phosphorus)
2. Glucagon (involved in glucose production)
3. Growth hormone (regulates body growth after birth)
4. Insulin (regulates carbohydrate synthesis)
5. Tropic hormones (act on endocrine glands )

Defense proteins

48. Immunoglobulin G (fights viruses, fungi and bacteria)
49. Immunoglobulin A (prevents viruses and bacteria from entering the blood plasma)

Transport proteins

50. Cytochromes (carry energy)
51. Hemocyanin (transports oxygen in the organism of crustaceans , arachnids and mollusks )
52. Hemoglobin (carries oxygen in vertebrates and certain invertebrates )

Enzyme-acting proteins

53. Amylases (involved in the conversion of starch into glucose)
54. Lactases (breaks down lactose into galactose and glucose)
55. Glucose isomerase (converts glucose to fructose)
56. Cellulases (degrade cellulose into simple sugars)

Examples of biomolecules: nucleic acids

56. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
57. Messenger RNA (ribonucleic acid)
58. Ribosomal RNA
59. artificial RNA
60. transfer RNA