Biological Molecules IGCSE Reading Material
Biological Molecules IGCSE Reading Material
: _______ 2024-25
Subject: Biology Unit 4 Date: ______________ Teacher’s sign:
Carbohydrates
arbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, typically with a hydrogen to
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oxygen atom ratio of 2:1, as in water. They are one of the most important sources of energy for living organisms.
Carbohydrates can be classified into three main types: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides.
onosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These simple
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sugars are the building blocks for more complex carbohydrates. Glucose, in particular, is a crucial energy source for
cells and is involved in cellular respiration, where it is broken down to release energy.
isaccharides consist of two monosaccharide molecules linked together. Common examples include sucrose (table
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sugar), which is composed of glucose and fructose, and lactose (milk sugar), which is made up of glucose and
galactose. These sugars are broken down into their monosaccharide components during digestion.
olysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharide units. They serve various functions, such as energy storage and
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structural support. Starch and glycogen are polysaccharides that store energy in plants and animals, respectively.
Cellulose, another polysaccharide, provides structural support in plant cell walls.
Proteins
roteins are complex molecules made up of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen, but they also contain nitrogen (N) and
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many have sulfur (S). Proteins are composed of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds. There are 20 different
amino acids that can combine in various sequences to form a vast array of proteins, each with unique functions.
Proteins are essential for numerous biological processes, including catalyzing metabolic reactions, DNA replication,
and transporting molecules.
T he structure of proteins is organized into four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The primary
structure is the sequence of amino acids in a polypeptide chain. The secondary structure refers to the local folding of
the polypeptide chain. The tertiary structure is the overall three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain,
while the quaternary structure involves the arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains into a functional protein
complex.
E nzymes are a specific type of protein that act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions in the body
without being consumed in the process. Hemoglobin, another protein, is responsible for transporting oxygen in the
blood. Antibodies, which are also proteins, play a crucial role in the immune system by identifying and neutralizing
foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.
Fats
F ats, also known as lipids, are a diverse group of hydrophobic molecules that include
triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids. They are primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen,
and oxygen, but in different proportions compared to carbohydrates. There are different types
of fatty acid and these can form different fats with different properties. Fats are used for
energy storage and thermal insulation in the body. Some fats, such as Phospholipids and
Steroids are a key component of cell membranes.
T riglycerides are the most common type of fat and are composed of one glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid
chains. They serve as a major energy storage form in animals, providing more than twice the energy per gram
compared to carbohydrates and proteins. Triglycerides are stored in adipose tissue and can be broken down into fatty
acids and glycerol when energy is needed.
In conclusion, carbohydrates, proteins, and fats are fundamental biological molecules that perform a wide range of
functions necessary for life. Understanding their structures and roles helps us appreciate the complexity and
efficiency of biological systems. These molecules not only provide energy and structural support but also facilitate
communication and regulation within and between cells, ensuring the proper functioning of living organisms.
Test of Biological molecules - starch, protein, reducing sugar, fat, vitamin CVideo Link
T esting for biological molecules is an essential part of understanding the composition of various
substances, especially in food and biological samples. Here, we will explore the tests for starch,
protein, reducing sugar, fat, and vitamin C. Each test involves specific reagents and procedures
that help identify the presence of these molecules.
Conclusion
ase Pairing
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The nitrogenous bases in DNA pair up in a specific way:
● Adenine (A) always pairs with Thymine (T)
● Guanine (G) always pairs with Cytosine (C)
This is calledcomplementary base pairing. The orderof these base pairs along the DNA molecule is what carries the
genetic information.
T he Importance of DNA
DNA is crucial for life because it:
● Carries genetic information:The sequence of basepairs in DNA determines the genetic traits of an organism.
● Replicates itself:DNA can make copies of itself,ensuring that genetic information is passed on during cell
division.
● Directs protein synthesis:The information in DNAis used to create proteins, which carry out various
functions in the body.
ission 1A (2a)
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Make a flowchart for the types of Carbohydrates:
ission 1A (2b)
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Smaller molecules make larger molecules. Fill the table with the missing words
Smaller molecule Larger molecule Function of the larger molecule in Plants or Animals as applicable
lucose
G
Glucose
Glucose
L actose
Fructose
Maltose
Sucrose
Protein
Lipid
ission 1A (2c)
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Bonds hold molecules together.
Make an organised list of the various types of bonds found in carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
ission 1A (2d)
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“Proteins are truly complex”. Justify this statement by taking points from the given reading material. Highlight the
words that are unique to proteins.
Draw:
utline structure of
O utline structure of
O utline structure of O
O utline structure of O
utline structure of a
a glucose molecule a fructose molecule a maltose molecule a sucrose molecule lactose molecule
. A molecule is composed of a long chain of amino acids. This molecule is most likely a:
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a) Carbohydrate b) Lipid c) Protein d) Nucleic acid
. Which element is found in all biological molecules, but is NOT a major component of carbohydrates and lipids?
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a) Carbon b) Hydrogen c) Oxygen d) Nitrogen
. Glycogen is a polysaccharide used for energy storage in animals. Which of the following best describes its
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structure?
a) A long, branched chain of glucose molecules b) A long, unbranched chain of glucose molecules
c) A chain of glucose molecules linked to glycerol d) A chain of amino acids with glucose side chains
0. A student tests a food sample with iodine solution and observes a blue-black color change. This indicates the
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presence of:
a) Glucose b) Starch c) Protein d) Lipid