Senior High School

Physical Science
Quarter 3 – Module 4:
The Chemistry of Life
(Biomolecules)

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

Physical Science – Grade 12
Alternative Delivery Mode
Quarter 3 – Module 4: The Chemistry of Life (Biomolecules)
First Edition, 2020

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Published by the Department of Education

Secretary: Leonor Magtolis Briones
Undersecretary: Diosdado M. San Antonio

Development Team of the Module

Authors: Suzzeth U. Dizon
Editors: Joey H. Villanueva, Arlene C. Malaybalay
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Tommy R. Rico, Division in-charge of LRMS
and Division ADM Coordinator

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Office Address: Misamis St., Bago Bantay, Quezon City

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Physical
Science
Quarter 3 - Module 4:
THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE
(BIOMOLECULES)

This instructional material was collaboratively developed and

reviewed by educators from public and private schools, colleges, and
or/universities. We encourage teachers and other education stakeholders to
email their feedback, comments, and recommendations to the Department of
Education at action@[Link].

We value your feedback and recommendations.

Department of Education • Republic of the Philippines

Introductory Message
For the facilitator:

This module is intended for the Non-STEM Senior High School Students taking up
Physical Science as their core subject. This may serve as remediation for
learners as well as a form of Alternative Delivery Mode of Learning Resources, in
times of need.

For the learner:

The module is an interactive learning material. Answer pre-test prior to the

reading of the information followed by answering the activities. Your learning
assessment will be based on the post test.
 What I Need to Know

This module was created to help and give you an idea of the concepts
behind the four macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and
proteins. Since these molecules primarily constitute a living organism, it isthey
are also called as biomolecules.

The module will focus on discussing the general structure and functions of
the biomolecules, as well as the common samples or material where it canthey
could be seen.
The learners are also expected to:
(a) explain how the structures of biological macromolecules, such as
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acid, and proteins, determine their
properties and functions (S11/12PS-IIIe-22)

After going through this module, you are expected to:

[1.] Identify the four macromolecules according to its their general structure;
1.[2.] Describe the properties of each macromolecule; and
2.[3.] Explain the functions of each macromolecule, as well as the common
samples where it can be seen.
 What I Know

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.

[1.] Which biomolecule has a biological function as a first-line ‘source

of energy’?
A. Carbohydrates C. Nucleic Acids
B. Lipids D. Proteins
1.[2.] Which represents a carbohydrate?
A. CnH2n+2 C. CnH2n
B. (CH2O)n D. (C2HO)n
2.[3.] The following samples are simple carbohydrates except _______.
A. Cellulose C. Glucose
B. Fructose D. Sucrose
3.[4.] Which statement below best describes a lipid?
[A.] It is insoluble to in water.
A.[B.] It is always in gaseous form.
B.[C.] Its general structure is only made up of carbon and hydrogen.
C.[D.] It can form ionic compounds due to its ability to become ionic.
4.[5.] Which structure below is rich in lipid as manifested by its
function?
A. Human muscle fibers
B. Rigid cell wall of plant cells
C. Semi-permeable cell membrane
D. Enzymes catalyzing substances
5.[6.] Which one is NOT a lipid?
A. Cholesterol C. Triglyceride
B. Lactase D. Waxes
6.[7.] What is primarily the function of a nucleic acid?
A. As storage of energy of the body
[B.] As an source of energyenergy source of the body
B.[C.] As structural molecules of most living organisms
C.[D.] For storage and expression of genetic information
7.[8.] What does DNA mean?
A. Dinucleotide adenine C. Deoxyribonucleic
acid
B. Dinucleic adenine D. Diribonucleic acid
 8.[9.] Which of the molecules below DOES NOT constitute a nucleic
acid?
A. Amino acid C. Phosphate group
B. Nitrogenous base D. Sugar

For nos. 10-11, refer to the figure below:

Figure 1 – Amino acid molecule

([Link]

9.[10.] What group is attached to the left side of the central Carbon?
A. Amino group
B. Hydrogen group
[C.] AcidCarboxyl group
C.[D.] Side Chains/Functional Groups
10.[11.] What makes an amino acid unique from one other?
A. The form of attachment
B. The different side chains
C. The manner of peptide bonding
D. The presence of acids and bases
11.[12.] Which is rich in protein?
A. Plant leaves C. Vegetable oil
B. Human hair D. Table salt
For nos. 13-15, choices are:

A. Carbohydrate C. Nucleic Acid

B. Lipid D. Protein
12.[13.] Which constitutes a plant fiber?
13.[14.] Which is a component of grease?
14.[15.] Which has amino acids as its building blocks?
 Lesso
n
THE CHEMISTRY OF LIFE
1
Living organisms are primarily basically made up of organic compounds.
The process of building organic molecules by living organisms is called as
biosynthesis.

What’s In

Biomolecules (also known as macromolecules) are organic compounds

that make up all living organisms. It iThey are alls produced through the process
of biosynthesis. As previously discussed, organic compounds are carbon-rich
molecules usually in association with hydrogen and oxygen. Organic and nature-
based materials we are usingthat we use today are primarily rich in these four
macromolecules. The four macromolecules are: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic
acids, and proteins.

What’s New

Activity 1
The objective of this activity is to determine how familiar are you are with
the different types of macromolecules and its their examples.

Direction: Write the letter of the correct answer. Given the samples below,
determine if they are made from:

A. Carbohydrates C. Nucleic Acid

B. Lipids D. Proteins
1.

2.

3.

4.

5.
 What is It

Have you ever thought about what makes up a living organism?

Biologically, they are made up of cells, tissues, organs, and body systems. But if
we will look closely, all forms of life are considered matter, hence, made up of
compounds. Molecules that make up a living organism is are called biomolecules.
It They is are also known as macromolecules as they large organic molecules.
Biomolecules are produced through a process known asA process called
biosynthesis. is needed in order to produce biomolecules. There are four types of
biomolecules, namely: carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
Let us differentiate describe each of them, focusing and focus on
their function, importance, and practical examples.
CARBOHYDRATES
Carbohydrates is theare one of the most abundant macromolecules on
Earth. Literally, the term it means “hydrates of carbons” because of its 1:2:1
ratio of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen of its simplest molecular chemical
formula, respectively (e. g., C6H12O6 for glucose). A more generalized formula is
Carbohydrates which isare represented as (Cm(H2O)n, where m is equal to 3 or
more, and m and n are not necessarily equal (e. g. C12H22O11 for sucrose or table
sugar).with n wherein it refersreferring to the number of carbons present in the
molecule.
This biomolecule isCarbohydrates are generally classified as simple or
complex. Table 1 shows the difference between simple and complex
carbohydrates.
Table 1 Simple and Complex Carbohydrates

Simple Carbohydrates Complex

Carbohydrates
Structure Small, usually made up Made up of long chains
of 1-2 sugar molecules of sugar molecules;
made up of simple
carbohydrates
covalently bonded
together
Rate of Digestion Easy and quick to digest Longer time to break
down
Primary function in Provides ‘instant’ As structural material,
relation to its energy, commonly in so- and as storage form --
structure called ‘sugar rush’ provides more lasting
energy
Examples glucose, table sugar Chitin (exoskeleton)
Cellulose (plant cell wall)
Starch and glycogen
LIPIDS
Lipids are a large group of substances also found in living systems. They
are insoluble in water but are soluble in solvents that are nonpolar or have low
polarity. Lipids have three major functions:
1. energy storage, especially in animal systems
2. structural, as part of cellular membranes
3. as chemical messengers that deliver signals from one part of the body to
another

There are several types of lipids based on their structure but you would be
more familiar with fats and oils, also known as triglycerides, or simply,
“fats”.Lipids, also known as the fat molecule, it is made up of hydrocarbons with
non-polar functional groups. A fat molecule is composed of long-chain fatty
acids bonded to glycerol bonded to fatty acids. Glycerol is an organic
compound with three carbons, five hydrogens, and three hydroxyl
groups, while fatty acids have long chains of hydrocarbons with a
carboxyl group. Can you identify these parts in Figure 1?

Figure 1 Lipid molecule

([Link]

Fatty acids that make up fats are either saturated or unsaturated. Fats and oils
may also be classified that way. “Saturation/Unsaturation” of fats indicates the
presence or absence of double bonds in the fatty acid chain. Lipids are is made
up of saturated or unsaturated fatty acids. Unsaturated fatsfatty acids are have
at least one pair of double-bonded double-bonded hydrocarbonss, are liquid at
room temperature, and are commonly extracted from plants. On the other hand,
saturated fatty acidss are do not have singledouble-bonded hydrocarbons, are
solidifies even at room temperature, and is present in animal fats. You may also
have heard about trans fats. There areis also trans fats, in which These is are
artificially hydrogenated oils commonly used in the food industry. and, making
them partially solid at room temperature. This These makes it are more useful
and desirable in many processed foods. Hydrogenation, the addition of hydrogen
to the oil structure, results in the saturation of the oil, making it more stable
hence prolonging the shelf life of food.

Can you name some examples of these kinds of lipids?the different kinds of
lipids?

NUCLEIC ACIDS
Nucleic acids are the most important biomolecules in the continuity of life.
It They functions as the storage ofstore genetic information in the cells, ands. It
are could be in the form of either DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) or RNA
(ribonucleic acid). Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides. Nucleotides have
three components: pentose sugar (5-carbon sugar), phosphate group,
and nitrogenous base. Table 2 shows the features of eachthat differentiate DNA
from RNA nucleic acid. Figure 2 shows the parts of a nucleotide.
Table 2 Features of DNA and RNA

Features DNA RNA

Strands Double Double-stranded, Single Single-stranded
helical
Nitrogenous base/s adenine, guanine, adenine, guanine,
present cytosine, thymine cytosine, uracil
Sugar molecule Deoxyribose Ribose
Functions Carries genetic make up For protein synthesis

Nucleic acids are made up of

nucleotides which is composed of a
5-carbon sugar, nitrogenous
bases, and a phosphate group
(refer to Figure 2).
 Figure 2 Parts of the nucleotide
([Link]
PROTEINS
Proteins are one some of the most complex macromolecules when it
comes toin terms of structure and its function. Like carbohydrates, proteins are
also very abundant in living organisms. The building blocks of proteins are the
amino acids of which and there are 20 are known. of them. An amino acid has an
amino group, a carboxylic group, and an R group or side chain. Figure 3 below
shows the parts of the amino acid molecule. Each amino acid has ave different R
group or side chain, which determines makes the uniqueness of each amino acid
unique. Figure 3 below shows the parts of the amino acid molecule.

Figure 3 Amino Acid Structure

([Link] )

The different types of proteins are classified based on its their function. Keratin
in in the hair is an example of a structural protein, while hormones like insulin
are regulatory proteins. Actin and myosin proteins are for movement, and are
hence, called as contractile proteins. Antibodies that are produced by the white
blood cells are called protective proteins, while hemoglobin which carries oxygen
gas is an example of a transport protein. E, and an egg albumin is a storage
protein that serves as nourishment for the developing embryo.
 What’s More

Activity 1.1 Draw me

Draw the structure of the indicated example of biomolecules. Label the

parts of the molecule.

Biomolecule
Structure
Examples

1. Glucose

2. Cholestero
l

3. Alanine

4. DNA

Activity 1.2 What makes it unique?

In two (2) sentences, describe the properties of the given biomolecule.
 1. Carbohydrates
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
2. Lipids
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
3. Nucleic Acids
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
4. Proteins
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________________

Activity 1.3 Biomolecule represent!

Complete the table below.

Sample Type of Function of the Sample

Biomolecule

Hemoglobin

RNA

Plant fiber

Margarine

What I Have Learned

Fill in the blanks.

1. ____________________ are organic compounds that make up a living
organism.
[2.] Ratio of C:H:O of in a glucosecarbohydrate molecule is
___________________.
2.[3.] Fat molecules are composed of glycerol and _________ _________.
3.[4.] Amino acids are the building blocks of _________________.
4.[5.] _________________________ _____________ is a type of nucleic acid
that carries the genetic information of all living organisms.
 What I Can Do

Now that you know the ideas and concepts of biomolecules. Give an
example of products that you know for each biomolecule as per the indicated
category.

Biomolecule Health Sciences Industry

CARBOHYDRATE

LIPID

NUCLEIC ACID

PROTEINS
 Assessment

Choose the letter of the best answer. Write the chosen letter on a separate sheet
of paper.

[1.] Which biomolecule has a biological function as a ‘first-line source

of energy’?
A. Carbohydrates C. Nucleic Acids
B. Lipids D. Proteins
1.[2.] Which represents a carbohydrate?
A. CnH2n+2 C. CnH2n
B. (CH2O)n D. (C2HO)n
2.[3.] The following samples are simple carbohydrates except for
_________
A. Cellulose C. Glucose
B. Fructose D. Sucrose
3.[4.] Which statement below best describes a lipid?
[A.] It is insoluble to in water.
A.[B.] It is always in gaseous form.
B.[C.] Its general structure is only made up of carbon and hydrogen.
C.[D.] It can form ionic compounds due to its ability to become ionic.
4.[5.] Which structure below is rich in lipid as manifested by its
function?
A. Human muscle fibers
B. Rigid cell wall of plant cells
C. Semi-permeable cell membrane
D. Enzymes catalyzing substances
5.[6.] Which one is NOT a lipid?
A. Cholesterol C. Triglyceride
B. Lactase D. Waxes
6.[7.] What is primarily the function of a nucleic acid?
A. As storage of energy of the body
B. As a source of energy of the body
C. As structural molecules of most living organisms
D. For storage and expression of genetic information
7.[8.] What does DNA mean?
 A. Dinucleotide adenine C. Deoxyribonucleic
acid
B. Dinucleic adenine D. Diribonucleic acid
[9.] Which of the molecules below DOES NOTIS NOT constitutea part of
a nucleic acid?
A. Amino acid C. Phosphate group
B. Nitrogenous base D. Sugar

For nos. 10-11, refer to the figure below:

Figure 1 – Amino acid molecule

([Link]

8.[10.] What group is attached to the left side of the central Carbon?
A. Amino group
B. Hydrogen group
[C.] Carboxyl groupAcid group
C.[D.] Side Chains/Functional Groups
9.[11.] What makes an amino acid unique from each other?
A. The form of attachment
B. The different side chains
C. The manner of peptide bond
D. The presence of acids and bases
10.[12.] Which is rich in protein?
A. Plant leaves C. Vegetable oil
B. Human hair D. Table salt
For nos. 13-15, choices are:

A. Carbohydrate C. Nucleic Acid

B. Lipid D. Protein
11.[13.] Which constitutes a plant fiber?
12.[14.] Which is a component of grease?
13.[15.] Which has amino acids as its building blocks?
 Additional Activities

Watch the video on [Link]

entitled “Biological molecules - You are what you eat | Crash Course biology|
Khan Academy”. Make a reflection of it using the four-square analysis.

Technical terms you learned from the Summary of the video in 10 sentences
video only

Title of the video

Your insights about the topic being Questions you want to address
discussed on the video
 Answer Key

What I have learned

1. BIOMOLECULES
2. 1:2:1
3. FATTY ACIDS
4. AMINO ACID
5. DEOXYRIBONUCLEI
C ACID
Assessment

1. A
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. A
[10.] CA
10.[11.] B
11.[12.] B
12.[13.] A
13.[14.] B
14.[15.] D
What I Know

1. A
2. B
3. A
4. A
5. C
6. B
7. D
8. C
9. A
[10.] CA
10.[11.] B
11.[12.] B
12.[13.] A
13.[14.] B
14.[15.] D
References

1. Bettelheim, F., Brown, W., Campbell, M., Farrell, S., and Torres, O. (2016).
Introduction to General, Organic, and Biochemistry 11 th ed., Cengage
Learning, Boston, MA.

2. Flowers, Paul., Klaus Theopold, K., Richard Langley, R., Edward J Neth, E.,
and Robinson, William. R Robinson (2019). Chemistry: Atoms First.
Houston, Texas: Open Stax, 2019.
[Link]

3.[2.] “Models of an Atom.” Siyavula Technology-Powered Learning. Accessed

November 5, 2019. [Link]
atom/04-the-atom-02.

4.[3.] “Modern Atomic Theory: Models.” Atomic Structure, Periodicity, and

Matter: Development of the Atomic Theory. Accessed November 5, 2019.
[Link]

5.[4.] [Link]
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