Biomoleküls

Biomoleküls are organic molecules produced by living organisms and form the chemical basis of life. They range from small metabolites to large macromolecules and are involved in structure, metabolism, signaling and regulation. Most biomolecules are carbon-based and organized into specific functional groups that determine their properties and reactivity.

The major classes are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates provide energy and serve as structural components; lipids function as energy storage, membranes and signaling molecules; proteins act as enzymes, structural elements and regulators; nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information and guide protein synthesis.

Lipids are not typically polymers, but many biomolecules are polymers: polysaccharides such as starch or cellulose; polypeptides composed of amino acids; nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Common monomers include monosaccharides, amino acids, and nucleotides; glycerol with fatty acids forms triglycerides and related lipids.

In cells, biomolecules participate in metabolism, growth and homeostasis. Enzymes catalyze biochemical reactions; nucleotides and ATP power energy transfer; membranes rely on phospholipids; genetic information is encoded in DNA and interpreted by RNA to synthesize proteins.

Biomolecules are studied across chemistry, biochemistry and molecular biology using techniques such as spectroscopy, chromatography and sequencing, to understand structure, interactions and function. Their study supports fields from medicine to agriculture and ecology, and provides the basis for understanding life at the molecular level.