Glucose, Fatty Acids, and Amino Acids: Essential Biomolecules

This page provides an overview of the chemical structures of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids, which are fundamental building blocks in biological systems.

Glucose Structure

The diagram illustrates both α-glucose and β-glucose structures. Glucose, also known as dextrose, is a simple sugar (monosaccharide) with the molecular formula C₆H₁₂O₆.

Definition: Glucose is a six-carbon aldohexose, meaning it has six carbon atoms and an aldehyde group.

The structural differences between α-glucose and β-glucose lie in the orientation of the hydroxyl group on the first carbon atom.

Highlight: The glucose structure shown depicts its cyclic form, where the linear chain has formed a six-membered ring.

Fatty Acid Structure

The image shows a generalized fatty acid structure. Fatty acids are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group (COOH) at one end.

Example: The fatty acid depicted has 14 carbon atoms in its hydrocarbon chain.

The structure also indicates variations in the R-group, which can be either a hydrogen atom (H) or a methyl group (CH₃).

Vocabulary: Unsaturated fatty acids contain one or more double bonds in their hydrocarbon chain, while saturated fatty acids have only single bonds.

Amino Acid Structure

The diagram presents the general structure of an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have a characteristic structure.

Definition: An amino acid consists of a central carbon atom (α-carbon) bonded to an amino group (NH₂), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R-group).

The R-group is unique to each amino acid and determines its specific properties and functions.

Highlight: The diversity of amino acid structures allows for the formation of a wide variety of proteins with different functions in living organisms.