Biomolekül

Biomolekül, or biomolecule, is a molecule that is produced by living organisms or is essential to their biological processes. Biomolecules range from small metabolites to large macromolecules. They are predominantly carbon-based and typically contain elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur. They can be classified by size into small organic molecules (for example glucose, amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids) and macromolecules (proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and complex lipids).

Key functions of biomolecules include providing energy, storing and transmitting genetic information, building and maintaining cellular structures, catalyzing biochemical reactions, and enabling signaling and regulation of cellular processes. Proteins serve as enzymes, structural components, and signaling molecules; nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information; polysaccharides provide energy and support; lipids form membranes and participate in signaling and energy storage.

Biosynthesis and degradation of biomolecules are governed by enzymatic pathways and are tightly regulated within cells. Polymerization processes assemble monomers into long chains, such as amino acids into proteins or nucleotides into nucleic acids, while hydrolysis and other reactions break them down for energy or recycling. Non-covalent interactions and three-dimensional folding determine the functional conformations of biomolecules, often affecting their activity and specificity.

Biomolecules are studied across biochemistry, molecular biology, and biophysics to understand metabolism, genetics, development, and disease. Their properties and interactions underlie virtually all physiological processes, from cellular respiration to gene expression and intercellular communication.