A biomolecule or biological molecule is loosely defined as a molecule produced by a living organism and essential to one or more typically biological processes. There are four major classes of Biomolecules – Carbohydrates, Proteins, Nucleic acids and Lipids.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are found in most of the food we consume in our everyday lives and acts as the main source of energy for our cells. There are three types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch, and fiber. These three types of carbohydrates can be divided into simple or complex carbohydrates.
Sugar and starch are referred to as simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates do not require further breakdown in the body because they are already in the simplest form. Simple carbohydrates exist as one unit or two unit sugars. In the body they are found as glucose or fructose.
Fibers and some starches are referred to as complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are foods that contain many units of sugar combined together. As a result, these complex carbohydrates need to be broken down into very small units, to be absorbed in the bloodstream and transported to the cells of the body.
Proteins
Proteins (made up of amino acids) are substances that are found in the human body and in the types of food we eat. Proteins are the building blocks of the body that help to build, repair, maintain and regulate muscle development. In addition, proteins in the body perform many different functions to help with everyday activities. Some functions include fighting infections, creating hormones, transporting molecules around the body and acting as a major source of energy. National Kidney Disease Education Program and Toronto East General Hospital on including "Protein in your diet"
Lipids include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol. Lipids store and provide energy for our muscles and cells, when energy is required in the body. There are two categories of fat, saturated and unsaturated fat. Saturated fat increases total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol. This is “bad” cholesterol that deposits plaque in our arteries which can block blood flow, causing disruptions in regular blood flow. This is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and may worsen existing illnesses.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are found in most of the food we consume in our everyday lives and acts as the main source of energy for our cells. There are three types of carbohydrates: sugar, starch, and fiber. These three types of carbohydrates can be divided into simple or complex carbohydrates.
Sugar and starch are referred to as simple carbohydrates. Simple carbohydrates do not require further breakdown in the body because they are already in the simplest form. Simple carbohydrates exist as one unit or two unit sugars. In the body they are found as glucose or fructose.
Fibers and some starches are referred to as complex carbohydrates. Complex carbohydrates are foods that contain many units of sugar combined together. As a result, these complex carbohydrates need to be broken down into very small units, to be absorbed in the bloodstream and transported to the cells of the body.
Proteins
Proteins (made up of amino acids) are substances that are found in the human body and in the types of food we eat. Proteins are the building blocks of the body that help to build, repair, maintain and regulate muscle development. In addition, proteins in the body perform many different functions to help with everyday activities. Some functions include fighting infections, creating hormones, transporting molecules around the body and acting as a major source of energy. National Kidney Disease Education Program and Toronto East General Hospital on including "Protein in your diet"
Lipids include fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids and cholesterol. Lipids store and provide energy for our muscles and cells, when energy is required in the body. There are two categories of fat, saturated and unsaturated fat. Saturated fat increases total blood cholesterol and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) cholesterol. This is “bad” cholesterol that deposits plaque in our arteries which can block blood flow, causing disruptions in regular blood flow. This is a major cause of cardiovascular disease and may worsen existing illnesses.