FreeNotes
Vitamins and minerals are both essential nutrients required for various bodily functions, but they differ in their chemical nature, sources, and roles in the body. Vitamins are organic compounds, meaning they contain carbon, and they are required in small amounts to regulate body processes. They are divided into two categories: fat-soluble vitamins (A, D, E, … Read more
Enzymes are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in the body without being consumed in the process. They are mostly proteins and play a crucial role in digestion, metabolism, and various biochemical reactions. In digestion, enzymes break down complex food molecules into simpler forms that the body can absorb. For example, amylase breaks down … Read more
Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates that consist of long chains of monosaccharides linked together by glycosidic bonds. They serve as energy storage molecules or provide structural support in living organisms. There are two main types of polysaccharides. Storage polysaccharides include starch, which is found in plants such as potatoes, wheat, and rice, and glycogen, which is … Read more
Nucleic acids are macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information. Types of Nucleic Acids: 1. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) Structure: Double helix Sugar: Deoxyribose Nitrogen Bases: A, T, G, C Function: Stores genetic information 2. RNA (Ribonucleic Acid) Structure: Single-stranded Sugar: Ribose Nitrogen Bases: A, U, G, C Function: Helps in protein synthesis Importance of Nucleic … Read more
Carbohydrates are classified into three types: 1. Monosaccharides (Simple Sugars): Structure: Single sugar unit Examples: Glucose, Fructose, Galactose Function: Provide quick energy 2. Disaccharides (Double Sugars): Structure: Two sugar units Examples: Sucrose (Glucose + Fructose), Lactose (Glucose + Galactose) Function: Found in milk, fruits, and sugarcane 3. Polysaccharides (Complex Sugars): Structure: Long chains of sugar … Read more
Structure of Proteins: Made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds Form polypeptides, which fold into 3D structures Protein structure levels: 1. Primary structure – Amino acid sequence 2. Secondary structure – Helices and sheets 3. Tertiary structure – 3D folding 4. Quaternary structure – Multiple polypeptide chains Functions of Proteins: Enzymes (speed up reactions, … Read more
Sources of Lipids: Plants: Nuts, seeds, vegetable oils Animals: Butter, cheese, meat fats Uses of Lipids: Store energy Insulate and protect organs Form cell membranes (phospholipids) Act as hormones (steroids like testosterone, estrogen) Related Questions: Which compounds are included in lipids? Decide whether sucrose is a disaccharide or monosaccharide. Give a reason. What is … Read more
Proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Types of bonding in proteins: 1. Peptide bond → Forms between amino acids 2. Hydrogen bonds → Maintain the helical structure 3. Ionic bonds → Form between charged amino acid groups 4. Disulfide bridges → Provide stability to proteins Related Questions: Distinguish between mono-, di-, … Read more
Monosaccharides (Single Sugar Unit): Examples: Glucose, Fructose, Galactose Function: Provide instant energy Disaccharides (Two Sugar Units): Examples: Sucrose = Glucose + Fructose (Table sugar) Lactose = Glucose + Galactose (Milk sugar) Maltose = Glucose + Glucose (Malt sugar) Function: Found in food sources like milk, fruits, sugarcane Trisaccharides (Three Sugar Units): Example: Raffinose = Glucose … Read more
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid) functions: Stores genetic information that determines traits Controls protein synthesis in cells Guides cell division and reproduction Passes hereditary information from parents to offspring DNA structure: It is a double helix made of nucleotides, which include: Sugar (deoxyribose) Phosphate group Nitrogen bases (A, T, G, C) Related Questions: Decide whether sucrose is … Read more