Class 12 Chemistry - KERALA
Biomolecules
The chapter 'Biomolecules' in Class 12 Chemistry for the Kerala SCERT syllabus explores the chemical basis of life, focusing on the structures, properties, and biological roles of essential organic compounds. Students will study carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, vitamins, and lipids. This chapter is fundamental for understanding biochemistry and is heavily weighted in the Kerala Board examinations. Questions frequently test structural differences, classification, and biological functions of these molecules, making it a high-scoring section for students who master the basic chemical structures and tests.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Carbohydrates
Optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or ketones, classified as monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides based on hydrolysis behavior.
Proteins
Polymers of $\alpha$-amino acids linked by peptide bonds, essential for body growth and repair, existing in primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
Nucleic Acids
Biomolecules such as DNA and RNA that store and transmit genetic information, composed of nucleotides containing a pentose sugar, nitrogenous base, and phosphate group.
Vitamins
Organic compounds required in small amounts for normal health and function, classified as water-soluble (B group, C) and fat-soluble (A, D, E, K).
Enzymes
Biocatalysts, mostly globular proteins, that speed up biochemical reactions in living systems with high specificity and efficiency.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Chemistry board examination, this chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks. Common question types include structural identification, differences between reducing and non-reducing sugars, denaturation of proteins, functions of vitamins, and distinguishing between DNA and RNA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between reducing and non-reducing sugars?
Reducing sugars have free aldehydic or ketonic groups and can reduce Tollens' or Fehling's solution (e.g., glucose, maltose). Non-reducing sugars have their carbonyl groups involved in glycosidic bond formation and do not reduce these reagents (e.g., sucrose).
What happens during the denaturation of proteins?
Denaturation disrupts the secondary and tertiary structures of proteins due to physical changes like temperature or chemical changes like pH, leaving the primary structure intact and causing a loss of biological activity.
What are the main structural differences between DNA and RNA?
DNA contains deoxyribose sugar and thymine as a nitrogenous base, usually forming a double-strand helix. RNA contains ribose sugar and uracil instead of thymine, and is typically single-stranded.
Learn Biomolecules with Your AI Tutor
10 different ways to study this chapter. Free for 3 chapters per day.
Lecture
Key Points
Interactive
Quiz
Flashcards