Biomolecules are substances found in living organisms. They are much larger than atoms and measured by units. Each is either monomers, one unit, dimers, two units, and polymers, three or more units. In the human body, four main polymer biomolecules are crucial to existence. They are Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids.
Carbohydrates are sugars that have two purposes in organisms, short-term energy storage and structural. Carbohydrates have the empirical formula of CH2O. In plants, the storage carbohydrate is called starch. Some foods that are high in starch are potatoes. In humans, the storage of carbohydrates is glycogen. The night before a race, many runners eat pasta for short-term energy because it is high in carbs. The second purpose of carbohydrates is structural, as seen in plants. The outer part of bamboo helps to keep the plants safe and is a carbohydrate. Some animals also have a structural carb, but it is called chitin. Examples of these would be beetles, crabs, and lobsters.
The next biomolecule is lipids. Lipids are another name for fats. They are made up of a majority of Carbon and Hydrogen but have few Oxygen molecules. Lipids are insoluble, which means they can not dissolve in water, are nonpolar, and are waxy. Some examples are butter, oils, and soaps. Lipid's purpose is for long-term energy storage. However, they are also for shock absorption, buoyancy, hormone creation, insulation, and waterproofing.
The third biomolecule is proteins. Proteins consist of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Phosphorus. Their purpose is structural. Hairs, nails, and muscles are all examples of structural proteins. Furthermore, proteins also act as an enzyme. Enzymes are organic catalysts and speed up all the reactions in the body. Without enzymes, humans would not be able to undergo reactions required to survive quickly enough, leading to death. Proteins also help with creating antibodies to defeat viruses.
Lastly, is nucleic acids. They are created with Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus. Nucleic acids have only one purpose, which is to store and pass on genetic information. Examples of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. They are essential because all genes and genetic variations are in DNA, and RNA helps create proteins.
Each of the four biomolecules has its purpose and is unique. Together, they help the human body function to the best of its ability.
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