Biological Molecules | Cells | Biology | FuseSchool

Summary

This educational video delves into the critical biological molecules essential for life: carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. It explains that these molecules are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, with proteins also containing nitrogen and sometimes sulfur. The video details the structure and function of monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, emphasizing their roles in energy storage and plant cell walls. Proteins, with their complex 3D shapes, are highlighted for their diversity and crucial roles in enzymes, hormones, and antibodies. Lipids, particularly triglycerides, are discussed for their energy storage and presence in dietary fats and oils. The video concludes by reinforcing the importance of these molecules in living organisms.

Takeaways

• 🧬 Molecules like carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids are crucial for life processes.
• 💧 Water is the most common molecule in living organisms, making up 55-60% of an adult human's body weight.
• 🥚 After removing water, the remaining major biological molecules are proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.
• 🍬 Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, and include monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
• 🍭 Monosaccharides are simple sugars like glucose and fructose, while disaccharides are two simple sugars joined together, like sucrose.
• 🌾 Polysaccharides are polymers made of many sugars, with starch, glycogen, and cellulose being key examples.
• 🥩 Proteins are polymers made up of amino acids and have a complex 3D shape that determines their function.
• 🔥 Enzymes, which are proteins, can denature and lose function when exposed to high temperatures.
• 🧬 There are 20 different amino acids that can combine to form an almost infinite number of different proteins.
• 🧼 Lipids, such as triglycerides, are fats and oils that serve as energy sources or are stored for later use.
• 🌿 Lipids also include important molecules like steroid hormones, cholesterol, vitamin A, and vitamin D.

Q & A

What are the three main types of carbohydrates?

The three main types of carbohydrates are monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.

What is the most common molecule in the human body and why is it important?

The most common molecule in the human body is water, which makes up about 55 to 60 percent of an adult's body weight. It is important because it is a solvent for biochemical reactions, a component of cells, and plays a critical role in temperature regulation and waste removal.

What is the role of lipids in living organisms?

Lipids serve as a form of energy storage, are components of cell membranes, and are involved in the formation of various hormones and vitamins.

How are proteins related to enzymes?

Proteins are related to enzymes because enzymes are a type of protein that catalyze biochemical reactions. The function of each enzyme depends on its specific 3D shape, which is determined by the sequence of amino acids that make up the protein.

What are the four or five elements that make up proteins?

Proteins are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

What is the function of glycogen in animals?

Glycogen is the storage unit used by animals for surplus glucose and is found in the liver and muscle tissues.

How can the presence of starch be tested for?

The presence of starch can be tested for using an iodine solution. If the solution turns blue-black, then starch is present.

What are the different roles of proteins in the body?

Proteins play various roles in the body, including being structural components of cells, enzymes in biochemical reactions, hormones for communication, and antibodies for immune response.

How many different amino acids are there that make up proteins, and what does this variety allow for?

There are 20 different amino acids that make up proteins. This variety allows for an almost infinite number of different proteins to be made, as the order of amino acids varies in different proteins.

What is a triglyceride and where is it found?

A triglyceride is a lipid that has a single glycerol molecule with three fatty acid tails attached. It is a form of dietary fat found in meats, dairy, and cooking oils, and is also made by the liver.

What are some examples of lipids mentioned in the script?

Some examples of lipids mentioned are steroid hormones, cholesterol, vitamin A, and vitamin D.