TLDR;
This video provides an overview of biomolecules, starting with the basic elements that compose living organisms. It explains the classification of bio elements into major, minor, and trace elements based on their abundance in the human body. The video then discusses biomolecules, categorizing them as micromolecules and macromolecules, and further classifying them as organic and inorganic. It also presents a comparative analysis of the percentage composition of various biomolecules in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, highlighting key differences and their significance.
- Bio elements are classified into major, minor, and trace elements based on their abundance.
- Biomolecules are categorized as micromolecules and macromolecules.
- The percentage composition of biomolecules differs between prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells.
Introduction to Biomolecules [0:00]
The discussion begins with the fundamental question of what matter is made of, identifying chemical elements as the building blocks. Among the natural elements, 25 are considered bio elements, essential for living organisms. Within these, 16 are crucial for the human body and are further divided into major, minor, and trace elements based on their percentage by weight. Major bio elements constitute 99% of the body weight, minor elements are less than 1%, and trace elements are less than 0.01%.
Classification of Bio Elements [0:49]
The 16 bio elements are categorized into major, minor, and trace elements based on their abundance in the human body. The major bio elements include oxygen (65%), carbon (18%), hydrogen (10%), nitrogen (3%), calcium (2%), and phosphorus (1%). Minor bio elements consist of potassium, sulfur, sodium, chlorine, and magnesium. Trace elements include iron, manganese, copper, iodine, and zinc, each present in very small amounts.
Micromolecules vs. Macromolecules [3:11]
When atoms of bio elements combine chemically, they form biomolecules, which are categorized into micromolecules and macromolecules. Micromolecules have a molecular weight of less than 1000 atomic mass units (amu), while macromolecules have molecular weights in the thousands or above. Examples of micromolecules include water, glucose, and glycerol, whereas macromolecules include proteins, starch, glycogen, and lipids.
Organic and Inorganic Biomolecules [5:13]
Biomolecules are further classified as organic and inorganic. The discussion transitions to a comparative analysis of the percentage composition of various biomolecules in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, presented in a chart. Water constitutes 70% in both cell types. Proteins make up 15% in prokaryotic cells and 18% in eukaryotic cells. Carbohydrates account for 3% and 4%, lipids for 2% and 3%, and DNA for 1% and 0.25% in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells, respectively. RNA is 6% in prokaryotic cells and 25% in eukaryotic cells. Other molecules and minerals each constitute 2% in both cell types.
Abundance of Biomolecules in Cells [6:19]
Water is the most abundant biomolecule in protoplasm. Protein is the most abundant organic biomolecule. RNA is the second most abundant organic biomolecule in prokaryotic cells. The percentage of DNA is higher in prokaryotic cells due to the smaller size of the cells, despite eukaryotic cells having 46 DNA molecules (chromosomes) compared to the single, small, circular DNA molecule in bacteria.