Biomolecule facts for kids
A representation of the 3D structure of myoglobin, showing alpha helices, represented by ribbons. This protein was the first to have its structure solved by X-ray crystallography by Max Perutz and Sir John Cowdery Kendrew in 1958, for which they received a Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
A biomolecule is any molecule that is produced by a living organism. This includes large macromolecules such as proteins, polysaccharides, lipids, and nucleic acids, as well as many smaller molecule A more general name for this class of molecules is biogenic substances.
Types of biomolecules
A diverse range of biomolecules exist, including:
- Small molecules:
- Lipids, polysaccharides, glycolipids, sterols, glycerolipids
- Vitamins
- Hormones, neurotransmitters
- Metabolites
- Monomers, oligomers and polymers:
| Biomonomers | Bio-oligomers | Biopolymers | Covalent bond name between monomers |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amino acids | Oligopeptides | Polypeptides, proteins (hemoglobin...) | Peptide bond |
| Monosaccharides | Oligosaccharides | Polysaccharides (cellulose...) | Glycosidic bond |
| Nucleotides | Oligonucleotides | Polynucleotides, nucleic acids (DNA, RNA) | Phosphodiester bond |
Images for kids
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Stereo 3D image of a group I intron ribozyme (PDB file 1Y0Q); gray lines show base pairs; ribbon arrows show double-helix regions, blue to red from 5' to 3' end; white ribbon is an RNA product.
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Biomolecule Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.