Biomolecules Chemical Analysis
May 24, 2023, 16:45 IST
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chemical analysis of biomolecules
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In this article, we will start with a brief explanation of what a biomolecule is, followed by a classification and detailed explanation of different types of biomolecules. We will then go into more detail about how to analyze the chemical composition. Finally, we will conclude with a comparison of elements present in non-living and living matter.
The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the chemical analysis of biomolecules and any other important information that you might need to know.
The biosphere is home to a wide variety of living organisms. All living organisms are composed of cells, which are made up of molecules, which are composed of atoms. The molecular composition of living organisms includes both inorganic and organic compounds, and the differences between living things are determined by the proportion and arrangement of these compounds.
When analyzing plant, animal, or microbial tissue, elements like carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are present. However, when compared to non-living matter, such as a piece of rock, it contains a list of similar chemicals, but the relative abundance of carbon and hydrogen in living organisms is higher than in the earth's crust.
Thus, all living organisms, regardless of their complexity, are composed of the same basic chemical elements, but the proportions of these elements can vary between different organisms and cells.
Biomolecules, also known as biological molecules, are made up of organic compounds that are rich in carbon and are found within living cells, contributing to the metabolic processes and overall functioning of the organism. They play a multitude of roles in supporting life.
Each biomolecule is unique in its structure and function, and is made up of different combinations of functional groups, which are specific arrangements of atoms that give the molecule its unique properties. Some biomolecules are straight chains, while others may be cyclic rings or a combination of both.
Physical properties of biomolecules, such as water solubility and melting points, can vary greatly, depending on the type of molecule and its structure. These properties are important for the proper functioning of biomolecules within the body, as they determine the molecule's ability to dissolve in water, interact with other biomolecules, and carry out specific functions.
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Biomolecules can be classified into four main categories: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
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Carbohydrates:
Carbohydrates are biomolecules that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. They serve as an important source of energy for the body and play a crucial role in cellular structure and function.
Carbohydrates can be divided into two main categories: simple and complex. Simple carbohydrates, also known as simple sugars, include monosaccharides such as glucose, fructose, and galactose, which are absorbed quickly by the body and provide a rapid source of energy. Complex carbohydrates, such as starches and fibers, are composed of multiple sugar units and are broken down more slowly by the body, providing a sustained source of energy.
Carbohydrates can be found in a wide range of foods, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and dairy products. They are essential for proper body function and support many processes, such as the synthesis of glycogen for energy storage, the formation of cell membranes, and the regulation of blood sugar levels.
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Lipids:
Lipids are a class of biomolecules that are characterized by their high energy content and low solubility in water. They play a crucial role in the body, serving as a source of energy and as a component of cellular membranes.
Lipids include a wide range of compounds, including fats, oils, waxes, and phospholipids. Fats, which are also known as triglycerides, are composed of three fatty acids joined to a glycerol molecule. They serve as a source of stored energy, as well as insulation and cushioning for the body's organs.
Oils, which are liquids at room temperature, are similar to fats in composition, but have a lower melting point. Waxes are solid lipids that provide protective coatings for plants and animals. Phospholipids, which are a type of lipid found in cell membranes, play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and fluidity of the membrane.
Lipids are essential components of the diet and can be obtained from a variety of food sources, including fatty fish, nuts, and oils. However, it is important to consume a balanced diet that includes a healthy amount of lipids, as excess consumption can lead to health problems such as heart disease and obesity.
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Proteins:
Proteins are complex biomolecules made up of chains of amino acids. They are essential for the proper functioning of the body, playing a crucial role in a wide range of processes, including structural support, enzyme activity, and hormone regulation.
Proteins are made up of 20 different types of amino acids, which are joined together by peptide bonds to form a long chain. The specific sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its unique structure and function. Proteins can fold into various shapes, and the shape is critical for the protein to carry out its function.
Proteins are involved in many important processes in the body, including muscle contraction, immune system function, transport of molecules across cell membranes, and the regulation of metabolic pathways. They also serve as enzymes, catalyzing chemical reactions and enabling the body to carry out essential metabolic processes.
Proteins are essential components of the diet and can be obtained from a variety of food sources, including meat, dairy products, eggs, and legumes. It is important to consume a balanced diet that includes a healthy amount of protein to support the body's growth and repair processes.
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Nucleic acids:
Nucleic acids are biomolecules that are composed of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA. They play a crucial role in the storage and transmission of genetic information, as well as the regulation of cellular processes.
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is a double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic code for an organism. It is composed of nucleotides, each of which contains a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The four nitrogenous bases in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) are adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymine (T), and the specific order of these bases determines the genetic information stored in the DNA molecule.
RNA (ribonucleic acid) is a single-stranded molecule that plays a crucial role in protein synthesis. RNA is synthesized from DNA as a template and carries the genetic information from the DNA to the ribosome, where it is used to synthesize proteins.
Nucleic acids are essential for the proper functioning of the body and play a crucial role in many cellular processes, including DNA replication, transcription, and translation. They are also involved in the regulation of gene expression, the maintenance of genetic stability, and the development of new traits in organisms.
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The composition of a cell can be determined through elemental analysis, which reveals the presence of elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, sulfur, and phosphorus. To understand the properties of the compounds formed by these elements, a chemical analysis must be conducted.
Analytical techniques can provide information about the different compounds in a tissue, including both organic and inorganic compounds, as well as their molecular formula and structure. These techniques also allow for the isolation and purification of specific compounds.
One simple experiment to determine the chemical composition of biomolecules involves the following steps:
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Crush a piece of living tissue and mix it with trichloroacetic acid.
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Filter the mixture to obtain two portions: an acid-soluble fraction and an acid-insoluble fraction. This shows that there are two or more compounds with distinct properties present in the tissue.
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Burn another piece of tissue to remove all water and oxidize the carbon compounds.
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The ash that remains after burning provides information about the inorganic compounds, such as calcium, magnesium, sulfate, and phosphate, present in the tissue.
In conclusion, the elemental analysis of a cell provides valuable information about the chemical composition of biomolecules in a tissue and is useful in understanding the chemical processes that occur in the body.
Hydrogen and Carbon are the two most abundant elements in the human body, making up 0.5% and 18.5% of its weight, respectively. Oxygen is the third most abundant element in the body, making up 65% of its weight. Nitrogen makes up 3.3% of the body weight, while Sulfur and Sodium make up 0.3% and 0.2% of the body weight, respectively. Calcium and Magnesium are also present in small amounts, making up 1.5% and 0.1% of the body weight, respectively. Silicon, while abundant in the Earth's crust (27.7%), is present in negligible amounts in the human body.
Q1.
What are biomolecules?
Ans.
Biomolecules are organic molecules present in living cells and are involved in the maintenance and metabolic processes of living organisms. They are composed of various elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, etc. and can vary in their nature, type, structure, and functions.
Q2.
What are the main types of biomolecules?
Ans.
The main types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Q3.
What is the chemical analysis of biomolecules?
Ans.
The chemical analysis of biomolecules is a process of studying the different compounds (organic and inorganic) in the biomolecules, their molecular formula, and structures. Analytical techniques such as acid-soluble and acid-insoluble tests, burning tests, etc. help in obtaining the information.
Q4.
How is chemical analysis performed in biomolecules?
Ans.
Chemical analysis in biomolecules can be performed by crushing a piece of living tissue and mixing it with an acid. After filtration, we can obtain two portions, one acid-soluble and the other acid-insoluble. Another piece of tissue can be burned to obtain the inorganic compounds in the tissue.
Q5.
What is the difference between the elements present in non-living and living matter?
Ans.
The elements present in non-living matter such as the Earth's crust are primarily composed of silicon, oxygen, aluminum, iron, calcium, sodium, magnesium, etc. On the other hand, living matter such as the human body is primarily composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus. The proportion of these elements in living and non-living matter can vary.
