Polymers and biomolecules from "summary" of The IIT Foundation Series - Chemistry Class 8, 2/e by
Polymers and biomolecules are large molecules made up of smaller units that are connected to each other in specific ways. They are found in nature and also used in various man-made applications. They are essential for the functioning of living organisms and the manufacturing industry.- Polymers and bio-molecules are large molecules formed by repeating units of smaller molecules like amino acids or sugars. These repeating units, known as monomers, hold the structure of the polymer together.
- Synthetic polymers made in factories are also used in products like pharmaceuticals, fabric production, and insulation materials.
- Proteins are made up of chains of amino acids that fold and coil into 3-D shapes in order to perform their function. The human body is made up of over 500 different types of proteins.
- Enzymes have an extra element; they are specialized protein molecules that act as catalysts for chemical reactions. Lipids are organic compounds such as fats and oils that are non-polar.
- Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms connected in a linear chain. Examples include dietary fiber and glucose.
- Different types of molecular structures exist, including linear, branched, and network configurations. Each one has its own unique properties which can be utilized in various applications.
- Nucleic acids consist of nitrogenous bases: adenine (A), thymine (T), guanine (G), and cytosine (C) arranged in two long strands around a sugar-phosphate backbone. They carry genetic information from one generation to the next.
