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Topic Notes · Easy summaries with diagrams
Chapter 6 — Chapter 6 — Biomolecules
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📘Easy summary
Biochemistry is the study of the chemical processes in living organisms (photosynthesis, respiration). Molecular biology studies the structure and function of biomolecules.
Biomolecules are molecules produced by organisms: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Mostly large — macromolecules. They make 93% of the dry mass of protoplasm.
⭐Key points
- Carbohydrates: cytoplasm, cell membrane — energy source and storage.
- Proteins: membrane, cytoplasm, ER, Golgi etc. — enzymes, hormones, structures.
- Lipids: cell membrane — structure of membranes.
- DNA: nucleus (eukaryotes), nucleoid (prokaryotes) — genetic information.
- RNA: nucleus, ribosomes — carries information for protein synthesis.
- Metabolism = anabolism (build, uses energy) + catabolism (break, releases energy).
🔬Diagram
🌿Real-life example
Making proteins from amino acids is anabolism; breaking glucose in respiration is catabolism.
💡Exam tip
- Define both biochemistry and molecular biology — common short question.
✅Quick check
1. Remaining 7% of dry mass of protoplasm is:
2. Breakdown of complex molecules releasing energy is:
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