Biomolecules Concept Map - Understand Concept With Ease. - Free Printable

Here is the completed Lecture Activity 3.3 Handout—Biological Molecules Review table with accurate information for each class of biological molecules:

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| Class | Basic Subunit(s) | Complex Molecules | Functions | Examples |
|--------------------|-------------------------------|-----------------------------------|------------------------------------------------------------------------------|---------------------------------------------|
| Carbohydrates | Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose) | Polysaccharides (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose) | Energy storage, structural support, cell recognition | Glucose, Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose |
| Lipids | Glycerol and fatty acids | Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Steroids | Long-term energy storage, membrane structure, hormone signaling | Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Cholesterol |
| Nucleic Acids | Nucleotides (sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base) | DNA, RNA | Store and transmit genetic information, protein synthesis | DNA, RNA, ATP |
| Proteins | Amino acids | Polypeptides / Proteins | Enzymatic catalysis, structural support, transport, defense, signaling | Hemoglobin, Insulin, Collagen, Antibodies |

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✔ Explanation of Each Row:

#### 1. Carbohydrates
- Basic Subunit: Monosaccharides like glucose, fructose, galactose.
- Complex Molecules: Polysaccharides formed by linking many monosaccharides (e.g., starch in plants, glycogen in animals, cellulose in plant cell walls).
- Functions:
- Primary source of energy (via cellular respiration).
- Structural roles (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls).
- Cell surface markers for recognition.
- Examples: Glucose (simple sugar), Starch (energy storage in plants), Glycogen (in animals), Cellulose (structural).

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#### 2. Lipids
- Basic Subunit: Glycerol + fatty acids (for triglycerides); phospholipids also include a phosphate group.
- Complex Molecules: Triglycerides (fats/oils), phospholipids (form membranes), steroids (like cholesterol).
- Functions:
- Long-term energy storage (more efficient than carbs).
- Major component of cell membranes (phospholipid bilayer).
- Hormone production (e.g., steroid hormones like testosterone).
- Examples: Butter (triglyceride), Phospholipids (in cell membranes), Cholesterol (a steroid).

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#### 3. Nucleic Acids
- Basic Subunit: Nucleotide = sugar (ribose/deoxyribose) + phosphate group + nitrogenous base (A, T, C, G, U).
- Complex Molecules: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
- Functions:
- DNA stores genetic information.
- RNA helps in protein synthesis (mRNA, tRNA, rRNA).
- ATP (adenosine triphosphate) is a nucleotide used for energy transfer.
- Examples: DNA, mRNA, tRNA, ATP.

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#### 4. Proteins
- Basic Subunit: Amino acids (20 types in humans).
- Complex Molecules: Polypeptide chains folded into functional proteins.
- Functions:
- Enzymes (speed up chemical reactions).
- Structural components (e.g., collagen in skin, keratin in hair).
- Transport (hemoglobin carries oxygen).
- Defense (antibodies).
- Signaling (hormones like insulin).
- Examples: Hemoglobin, Insulin, Collagen, Antibodies, Enzymes (e.g., amylase).

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This table summarizes the four major classes of biological macromolecules essential for life. Each plays unique and vital roles in cells and organisms.

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