Let’s Explore Biomacromolecules! 🌱
🔬 Two Types of Metabolites in Living Things
- Primary metabolites are found in all living organisms (like animals and plants). They have clear jobs in normal body functions. Examples: amino acids and sugars 🍬.
- Secondary metabolites are mostly found in plants, fungi, and microbes. We don’t fully understand their roles yet, but many help humans! Examples:
- Rubber 🚗
- Medicines (like morphine)
- Spices 🌶️
- Pigments (pretty colors in flowers!)
⭐ Biomacromolecules = Giant Molecules!
Living things contain two main types of chemical compounds:
| Type | Size (Molecular Weight) | Nickname | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Micromolecules | Small (18–800 daltons) | “Acid-soluble” pool | Sugars, amino acids |
| Biomacromolecules | Large (10,000+ daltons) | “Acid-insoluble” fraction | Proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides |
Wait… what about lipids (fats)? 🤔
Lipids are small molecules (under 800 Da) but act like macromolecules! When cells break, lipids form waterproof bubbles called vesicles that won’t dissolve in acid. That’s why they’re grouped with giant molecules!
🧬 Proteins = Body Builders!
- Proteins are chains of amino acids (like beads on a string).
- There are 20 types of amino acids (e.g., lysine, tryptophan).
- Since proteins mix different amino acids, they’re called heteropolymers (not identical repeating units).
- Essential amino acids can’t be made by our body – we must get them from food 🥦.
💪 Protein Superpowers (Table 9.5)
- Collagen: Glues cells together (like body cement!)
- Trypsin: Breaks down food (digestive enzyme)
- Insulin: Controls blood sugar (hormone)
- Antibodies: Fight germs 🦠
- GLUT-4: Shuttles glucose into cells (like a sugar taxi!)
🧪 What’s Inside a Cell? (Table 9.4)
If we imagine a cell weighs 100g:
- Water: 70–90g 💧
- Proteins: 10–15g 🥩
- Nucleic acids (DNA/RNA): 5–7g 🧬
- Carbohydrates: 3g 🍞
- Lipids: 2g 🧈
- Ions (minerals): 1g
🎯 NEET Quick Tips (Must-Know Concepts!)
- Primary vs. Secondary Metabolites: Primary = essential for life (amino acids). Secondary = special compounds in plants/fungi (morphine, rubber).
- Lipids in Acid-Insoluble Fraction: Though small, they form membranes that resist dissolving in acid.
- Proteins as Heteropolymers: Made of 20 amino acid types → not repetitive units.
- Essential Amino Acids: Must come from diet (body can’t make them).
Keep exploring! Every cell is a tiny universe of amazing molecules 🌌✨
