NCERT Exemplar for Class 11 Biology - Biomolecules - Free PDF Download

Bio – Biomolecules The chemical compounds of life are called biomolecules. They may range from small nucleotides and proteins to large carbohydrate and fat molecules. Biomolecules are the basic units of life; living systems are formed by their chemical combination. They are the basic constituents of matter and the basic unit of life. The living cell, or the cell-in-a-box, which lives and multiplies, is formed by the chemical union of molecules.

The living cell is the unit of life. It is formed by the chemical union of chemical molecules. It is the most important component of the living organism. The cell membrane is made of lipids. The lipids are classified into four major types viz, simple, acidic, basic and amide. Some lipids are soluble and others insoluble. The insoluble or insoluble lipids are insoluble in water. When they mix with water, they form a soft or viscous mass called lipogel. Most of the lipids are used in the formation of the cell membrane and the other cellular constituents. The fatty acids also assist in protecting the cell membrane and the other cellular constituents.

Biomolecules and Cell

Biomolecules are organic molecules that have a molecular mass of more than 100 daltons. They are essential building blocks for all living things. They may occur as part of a molecule or occur separately. They may exist as a single molecule or may form a complex with other molecules. Biomolecules are molecules that carry genetic information. They are called molecules because they carry genetic information of cells and they are involved in regulating the growth and development of cells. When a fertilized egg cell is formed after the union of spermatozoa and egg cell, a new organism is formed which is called a zygote. The zygote develops into an embryo, from which a new individual, called a foetus, is formed. The biomolecules present in the foetus determine the kind of animal from which it will be born.

The basic structure of a cell, which contains cytoplasm, a nuclear membrane and various organelles, is called an organelle. All the functions required by a cell to sustain its life are carried out in the cell. To understand the role of biomolecules, it is necessary to understand the basic structure of a cell and the functions that it performs.

The Living Cell

In every living cell, there is some type of life. The presence of chemical union or combination of chemical compounds results in the formation of a living organism or cell. Every living cell is characterised by different forms and different functions.