Molecular Composition of Cells

Name of Student

Grade & Section

Mrs. Marie Liz A. Cariaga, MPA, LPT

Subject Teacher
I. CONTENT STANDARD

The learners demonstrate and understanding of:

1. Structures and Functions of Biological Molecules

II. PERFORMANCE STANDARD

The learners should be able to:

1. Explain molecular composition of Cells

III. LEARNING COMPETENCIES

1. Describe biological molecules according to their structure and functions.

2. Explain the roles of metabolic processes

IV. LEARNING OBJECTIVES

1. Categorize molecules according to their structure and functions.

2. Explain the role of each molecule in specific metabolic processes.
3. Compare the energy and structural uses of different forms of each carbohydrate.
4. Describe the different functions of lipids in cells.
5. Describe the factors that affect protein structure and functions.

V. LEARNING MATERIALS

➢ Module
➢ DWCC LMS MOODLE
➢ Internet Connection
➢ Mobile Computers/Mobile Devices
➢ Pen
➢ Work Sheet /Activity sheet

2|Page
LEARNING PROCEDURES:

A. Routinary Activity

Prayer
St. Arnold Jassen Prayer:
“May the darkness of sin and the night of unbelief vanish before the light of the Word
and the Spirit of Grace. And may the heart of Jesus live in the hearts of all. Amen.”

B. Checking of Attendance
The subject teacher checks the attendance on their meeting day

C. Review of the Previous Lesson

A quick recap on what they learned from the previous lesson.

D. Motivation
Ask the students the following questions.
1. How a transport mechanisms happen in cell?
2. What is the structure and characteristics of plasma membrane?
3. What are the transport across the cell membrane?

E. Presentation of the New Lesson

One of the most common features of organisms here on earth is ther biochemical
composition. All organisms contain a common set of chemicals, such as carbon (C), oxygen (O),
nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), sulfur(S), and hydrogen (H), which build larger and more complex
molecules necessary in life. These large molecules- carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nuclei
acids combine to produce different structures or substances that perform specific functions in the
cell. These are called biomolecules. Also known as organic molecules, biomolecules serve fuel for
the metabolism of organisms. Their chemical composition and quantity are important for cellular
activities to proceed.
Cellular activities in your body may not function properly if you are deficient of certain
biomolecules. What you are consuming may not have the right type and amount of biomolecules
necessary for these processes, and this may make you an unhealthy person. These biomolecule
may already be familiar to you, as they always present in certain nutrition labels of food products.
Biomolecules occur naturally in organism. As mentioned, there are four major types of
biomolecules: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nuclei acids.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are biomolecules believed to be the most abundant of all organic compounds. This is
based on the assumption the cellulose, a type of carbohydrate, is produced by numerous

3|Page
photosynthetic organisms daily through photosynthesis. It is said that more than 75% of the dry of
plants is carbohydrate in nature.
Majority of carbohydrates have a carbon-hydrogen-oxygen ratio of 1:2:1. The term
carbohydrates literally means: hydrated carbon.” Carbohydrates include simple complex sugars.
Carbohydrates are well-known as a great sources of energy.

Carbohydrates

Monosaccharides Disaccharide Polysaccharides

s
Glucose Lactose Starch

Fructose Maltose Cellulose

Galactose Sucrose Glycogen

General Classification of Carbohydrates

The first two are simple carbohydrates or simple sugars while the third type is a complex
carbohydrates. The term saccharides describe the ‘sweetest taste of sugars.
Three types of carbohydrates:
1. Monosaccharides are also called simple sugars because they are the monomers, or the single
structural units. They are Classified as aldoses or ketoses according to the placement of chemicals
in the structure. Aldoses are characterized by the presence of an aldehyde (-CHO), usually at the
terminal, or the first carbon atom. Ketoses, on the other hand, characterized by having a carbonyl
(C=O) group, or ketone, which is usually located at the second carbon atom of the molecule.
A monosaccharide can also be classified according to the number of carbon atom it has.
Thus, monosaccharides with two carbon atoms are considered as dioses, those with three carbon
atom are trioses, and so on. The familiar example is the pentose (an organic compound composed
of five carbon atoms), which include the ribose found in the ribonucleic acid (RNA) and some
vitamins. Glucose, a hexose (an organic compound composed of six carbon atoms), is another
important example of a monosaccharide, as it is a major source of energy for all organisms.
Another example is hexose is fructose, which found in most plants such as sugarcane, sugar beets,
and corn.
Some derivatives of monosaccharides are also important. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) comes from
glucose. Sugar alcohol, such as sorbitol and mannitol, are sweetening agents.
Monosaccharides provide immediate energy to the organism that takes them. Because
monosaccharides are simple sugars, they are smaller than other types of carbohydrates. They size
allows them to absorbed immediately through the digestive tract all the way to the blood stream.
Sugary foods and fructose-rich fruits are the best sources of energy for people who are trained or
tired.

Glucose, fructose and galactose are examples of monosaccharides.

4|Page
 2. Disaccharides they are composed of two monosaccharides joined together through a process
called condensation reaction (loss of water). In this process, dehydration synthesis takes place.
Wherein water is extracted upon combining the two molecules. The result of the condensation
reaction is the formation of the glycosidic bond, a type of covalent bond that links a carbohydrate
molecule to another molecule (which maybe form another chemical group.
Like monosaccharide, disaccharides are sweet and soluble in water. Here are some examples of
disaccharides:
➢ Sucrose (table sugar) comes from combining glucose and fructose. Many food industries
use sucrose as sweeteners to make candies, ice cream, cookies, breads, sauces, and
preserved goods.
➢ Lactose (milk sugar), great source of nutrients for infants, is a combination of glucose and
galactose. Lactose is also used in many processed dairy product. In the body, an enzyme
called lactase is necessary to break down lactose. People who do not produce enough
lactase to digest lactose are called lactose intolerant. When they take dairy foods, they
experience nausea, diarrhea, bloating, and abdominal cramps.
➢ Maltose (malt or beer sugar) comes from two glucose molecules. It is the least sweet
among the previously mentioned disaccharides; thus it is not a common sweetener.
Maltose is more common in making beer. The starches turn into maltose during the
malting process. This adds sweetens to the beer, which counteracts the bitterness.

3. Polysaccharides which are composed of at least three monosaccharides. Polysaccharides are not
sweet. They do not form crystals when water molecules are removed.
The actual structure of certain tissues or cellular parts may depend on the polysaccharide’s
molecular structure, which is either branched or linear. A linear polysaccharides form a rigid
structure and is insoluble in water. A branched polysaccharides is soluble in water.
Most polysaccharides are used for energy storage. Starch and glycogen are composed of
chains of glucose molecules. In plants, energy storage is in the form of starch. In animals, energy
storage is in the form of glycogen. Polysaccharides have many health benefits. Serve as immediate
energy reserves in the body. Mushrooms, berries, cereals, and grains have polysaccharides that
help stabilized blood sugar and provide vitamins and minerals. Pectin, an important type of
polysaccharides, is soluble in water. Some polysaccharides may also give structure to organisms.
Cellulose, an example of a structural polysaccharide, is found in the cell walls of plants. Cellulose
is found in commercially used plants such as abaca, flax, cotton, and pineapple, which are often
made into fabric and paper.
Cellulose cannot be digested by humans. When taken in, cellulose remain unchanged as it
goes through the entire human digestive tract. However certain animals like cows and horses, can
digest cellulose because of the presence of component is used as a food source. Chitin, another
example of structural polysaccharide, is found in the cell walls fungi and the exoskeleton of some
animals such as shrimp, crab, scorpions and many insects. Chitin has stronger hydrogen bonds
between bordering polymers, which is why it is harder and more stable than cellulose. It also has
antibacterial and antiviral properties, making it useful in medicine and in making wound, suture
materials, cosmetics, and various food items.

Lipids

Lipids are biomolecules containing chain of hydrocarbons, Hydrocarbons are organic compound that are
made up of carbon and hydrogen, and are insoluble in water. When lipids are metabolized, they release large

5|Page
amounts of energy, and thus they are useful top organisms. Aside from functioning as long-term storage, they
also serve as insulation. Therefore, organisms with more lipids in the body can keep themselves warmer.
Animals that live in the polar regions, such as polar bears, reindeer, and penguins, have bodies with thick fat
layers as their form of adaptation to the freezing temperatures.

Lipids have many functions in the body. These are the following:

1. Lipids are good source of energy and stored energy n the body.
2. Lipids serve as thermal insulator in subcutaneous tissues.
3. Lipids which are nonpolar can act as electrical insulators.
4. Lipids are important dietary constituents because of fat soluble vitamins when present in ana intestine.
5. Lipids make up the basic structure of cell membrane (e.g phospholipids).
6. Lipids also serve as chemical messengers that allow tissues of the body to communicate with one
another (e. g hormones).
7. Lipids act as shock absorber or protect vital organs.

Lipids come in different types: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes. These type serve
different purposes.

Triglycerides
Generally known as fats, triglycerides contain a glycerol attached to three fatty acids. A fatty acids
is composed of a long chain of carbon atoms connected to a carboxylic acid (-COOH). Fatty acids have two
different types depending on their nature and origin- saturated fats and unsaturated fats. Saturated fats
contain only single bonds in the fatty acid chain. Because of this, they are normally solid at room
temperature. They are found in animal fats such as those in pork and beef. They are also found in butter,
lard, cream, cheese, and some processes foods. Because saturated fats are solid in nature, they tend to
clog the lining of blood vessels and block the flow of blood when consumed in high amounts. Too much
intake of food rich in saturated fats is then associated with increased circulatory disorders, such as high
blood pressure ang heart attack. Unsaturated fats, mostly known as oils, contain one or more double
bonds in the fatty acids chain. Because of this, they normally liquid at room temperature. These
unsaturated fats are commonly found in plants. Examples are olive oil, coconut oil, and corn oil. Most
animals use fat for long-term energy storage, This is due to the hydrocarbon chains in the fatty acids being
able to generate almost 10 times the metabolic cycle powered by glucose. Your body breaks down fats
when you need extra fuel. Excess sugars in your body can also be converted to fats. If you are not physically
active, these fats remain unused for a long time, hence increasing your body weight.

Phospholipids
These lipid molecules, phospholipids, contain a positively charged head which linked to the negatively charged
phosphate groups and abundant in cell particularly in cell membrane. This lipid bilayer is a barrier of cell
membrane against the passage of ions and molecules inside and outside of the cell. Phospholipids are also called
phosphoglycerides or phosphoacyglycerols. The presence of phosphoryl group results in a molecules with a
polar head and nonpolar tail. The Hydrophilic heads allow the cell to interact with its environment while
hydrophilic heads allow the cell to interact with its environment while hydrophobic tails help to regulate the
flow of proteins, nutrients, water and waste into the cell.

6|Page
Steroids have four fused carbon ring. There are different types of steroids according to the functional
,group attached to their carbon skeleton. In general, steroids helping in regulating metabolism, immune
response, reproduction, and other essential biological processes.

Cholesterol is a sterol (steroid alcohol), one of the most common steroid forms, cholesterol formation
usually happens in major organs such as the brain and blood vessels, where it gets deposited on the walls
and linings of these organs.

Waxes are esters (carboxylic acid derivatives), which are combine from certain alcohols and fatty acids.
Waxes are extremely hydrophobic, which means they do not react with water. Waxes are found
everywhere in nature, as these are used by organisms, such as thin coating on eaves and stems. In this
case, the wax prevents the plant from losing excess water. The furs and feathers of animals also have wax
to repel water. Aside from waterproofing functions, waxes are also used for protection. Cerumen, the
earwax, prevents the entry of some material into the ear canal. It is also capable of repping and even killing
insects in certain cases.

Proteins

Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic
structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. You need protein in your diet to help your body repair cells
and make new ones. Protein is also important for growth and development in children, teens, and
pregnant women.

Protein is also a critical part of the processes that fuel your energy and carry oxygen throughout
your body in your blood. It also helps make antibodies that fight off infections and illnesses and helps keep
cells healthy and create new ones.

Shapes of Proteins

• Primary structure. The simplest structure of all proteins , this is composed only of linear sequence of
amino acids in a peptide chain. Composed of long, unbranched peptide chains many different proteins
are produced.

7|Page
 • Secondary structure. This is a three dimensional shape created by several hydrogen bonds. The first two
patterns of the secondary structure were first predicted by Linus Pauling and Robert Corey in 1951.
They called the coiling structure as alpha (a) helix because it was first pattern they had discovered. The
second shape that was discovered was called the beta(B) pleated sheet, which is wavelike in
appearance. Fibrous proteins are secondary structural proteins. Example include the keratin in hair and
silk in spider webs.
• Tertiary structure. This refers to the three-dimensional shape of a peptide, which can either be fibrous
or globular in structure. They appear to be spherical or globular in shape because of the three-
dimensional shape of the peptide chain.
• Quaternary structure. These happens when proteins have more than one polypeptide. Often, the
polypeptide chains will create hydrogen bonds with one another in unique patterns to achieve the
desired protein configuration.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the largest molecules among the previous organic compounds, being composed of several
nucleotide subunits. Each nucleotide is composed of a nitrogenous base. A five-carbon sugar. The important
of nucleic acids lies their capacity to store vital information bout the cell. Every cell contains a storehouse of
information that provides instructions for life and dictates certain chemical reactions to take place.
Containing this vital information is the primary function of nucleic acids, Nucleic acids allow genetic
information to be passed on from one generation to the next.

DNA and RNA

One important type of nucleic acid is the deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). It is along molecule that contains
coded instructions for cellular such as growth, reproduction, death, and production and acceptance of
certain substances. These instructions specify the right sequences of amino acids to create a particular
proteins, which be sued for certain cellular processes.
Another important type of nucleic is ribonucleic acid (RNA). Just like DNA, RNA is active in the
acquisition of traits. The uses of RNA may range from encoding to decoding and regulating the expression of
genes, depending on the type of RNA presents. Messenger RNA (mRNA) serves as a temporary copy of a
gene in the DNA that directs the sequences of amino acids during protein synthesis. Transfer RNA (tRNA)
translates the sequence of nucleic acids in a gene to create the correct sequence of amino acids during
protein synthesis. Ribonal RNA (rRNA) forms the peptide bonds between amino acids in a polypeptide.
The information in DNA is stored as a code made up of four chemical bases: adenine (A),
guanine (G), cytosine (C), and thymine (T). Human DNA consists of about 3 billion bases,
and more than 99 percent of those bases are the same in all people.
Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a molecule that is present in the majority of living organisms and
viruses. It is made up of nucleotides, which are ribose sugars attached to nitrogenous
bases and phosphate groups. The nitrogenous bases include adenine, guanine, uracil, and
cytosine.

8|Page
 DNA and RNA Difference
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

Definition

It is a long polymer. It has a deoxyribose and Is a polymer with a ribose and phosphate
phosphate backbone having four distinct bases: backbone with four varying bases: uracil,
thymine, adenine, cytosine and guanine. cytosine, adenine and guanine.

Location

It is located in the nucleus of a cell and in the It is found in the cytoplasm, nucleus and in the
mitochondria. ribosome.

Sugar portion

9|Page
 It has 2-deoxyribose. It has Ribose.

Function

RNA is critical for the transmission of the genetic

The function of DNA is the transmission of genetic
code that is necessary for protein creation from
information. It acts as a medium for long-term storage.
the nucleus to the ribosome.

Predominant Structure

DNA is a double-stranded molecule that has a long RNA is a single-stranded molecule which has a
chain of nucleotides. shorter chain of nucleotides.

Propagation

RNA does not replicate on its own. It is

DNA replicates on its own, it is self-replicating.
synthesized from DNA when required.

Nitrogenous Bases and Pairing

The base pairing is as follows: GC (Guanine pairs with The base pairing is as follows: GC (Guanine pairs
Cytosine) A-T (Adenine pairs with Thymine). with Cytosine) A-U (Adenine pairs with Uracil).

DNA

In cells, DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is the nucleic acid that functions as the original blueprint for the
synthesis of proteins. DNA contains the sugar deoxyribose, phosphates and a unique sequence of the
nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C) and thymine (T).

RNA

Ribonucleic acid (RNA) is a nucleic acid which is directly involved in protein synthesis. Ribonucleic acid is an
important nucleotide with long chains of nucleic acid present in all living cells. Its main role is to act as a
messenger conveying instructions from DNA for controlling protein synthesis.
RNA contains the sugar ribose, phosphates, and the nitrogenous bases adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine
(C), and uracil (U). DNA and RNA share the nitrogenous bases A, G, and C. Thymine is usually only present
in DNA and uracil is usually only present in RNA.

Types Of RNA

10 | P a g e
Only some of the genes in cells are expressed into RNA. The following are the types of RNA wherein each
type is encoded by its own type of gene:

• tRNA– The transfer RNA or the tRNA carries amino acids to ribosomes while translation
• mRNA – The messenger RNA or the mRNA encodes amino acid sequences of a polypeptide
• rRNA – The ribosomal RNA or the rRNA produces ribosomes with the ribosomal proteins that are
organelles responsible for the translation of the mRNA.
• snRNA – The small nuclear RNA forms the complexes along with proteins which are utilized in RNA
processing in the eukaryotes.

What is the composition of DNA and RNA?

DNA and RNA are nearly identical polymers of nucleotides, except for the base pairs. DNA contains thymine
while the same is substituted with uracil in RNA.

Where are DNA and RNA found?

DNA is located in the nucleus of a cell and in the mitochondria. Meanwhile, RNA is found in the cytoplasm,
nucleus, and also in ribosomes.

How does propagation occur in DNA and RNA?

DNA is capable of self-replication but RNA cannot self-replicate instead, it is synthesized from DNA (DNA
transcription) when required.

What is the similarity between DNA and RNA?

Three out of the four nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA are the same (cytosine, adenine, guanine). They
both possess a phosphate backbone to which the bases attach.

Why is DNA a better genetic material than RNA?

The deoxyribose sugar of DNA contains one less oxygen-containing hydroxyl group. DNA is a more stable
nucleic acid. RNA, on the other hand, contains ribose sugar and is more reactive than DNA. Therefore, DNA
is a better genetic material than RNA.

Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

Adenosine Triphosphate, also called ATP, is another special nucleotide that is incorporated in the
nucleus acid. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP) is the source of energy for use and storage at the cellular
level. The structure of ATP is a nucleoside triphosphate, consisting of a nitrogenous base (adenine), a
ribose sugar, and three serially bonded phosphate groups.

11 | P a g e
 Adenine
Phosphate group ribose

Structure of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP)

ATP is like a battery that provides the highest of energy in cells. This releases vast amount of energy, which
is used to fuel various process including enzyme, cell communication, and cell division. The ATP nucleotide
has an important role in the synthesis of other macromolecules, such as carbohydrates and proteins. It is
also used for muscle contraction and nerve impulse conduction. Details of how ATP also used for muscle.
ATP can be used to store energy for future reactions or be withdrawn to pay for reactions when energy is
required by the cell. Animals store the energy obtained from the breakdown of food as ATP. Likewise,
plants capture and store the energy they derive from light during photosynthesis in ATP molecules.
The form of energy that is in ATP is called chemical energy. Chemical energy is a type of potential energy
and is stored energy within chemical bonds. ATP, adenosine triphosphate, is a molecule with an adenine
nucleotide attached to three phosphate groups. The bonds between the phosphate groups store the
energy in ATP.

Learning Activity Second Quarter Module- 1

Name: Date:
Section: Score:
Subject Teacher:

Instructions/Directions:
Answer the following questions, Write five minimum sentences for your answer.

1. Why are proteins called the building blocks of life?

2. Describe the different levels of protein structure.

3. Compare and contrast DNA and RNA in terms of physical and chemical properties.

4. How important is ATP? Explain your answer

Note: Assessment should be answered/ done online or should be done after the discussion. You
always visit LMS for the updates and coming events.

12 | P a g e
Assignment: Accomplish this module, study the discussion and finish all the activities given to you.
Activities must be done on a short bond paper. Encode the questions and your answer as well. Name
the document. Following this format, SURNAME, FIRST NAME, SECTION. Save the document in a
PDF file format. Upload it in DWCC LMS MOODLE.

X. References

• Pascual, Villanoy, Macasil, Sanchez, Cadiz, General Biology 1, Mindshapers Co., Inc.,
Intramuros Manila, Philippines, c2017
• Ayuste, Owen D., General Biology 1, DIWA, Makati City Philippines, C2017
• https://microbenotes.com/passive-transport/

Prepared by:

MARIE LIZ A. CARIAGA, MPA, LPT

Subject Teacher

13 | P a g e
14 | P a g e