Class 12 Chemistry - MAHARASHTRA
Biomolecules
The chapter Biomolecules in Class 12 Maharashtra Board Chemistry explores the chemical basis of life, focusing on complex organic molecules that build living systems. You will study carbohydrates, proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and vitamins. Students learn about their classification, structures, chemical properties, and biological importance. This chapter is vital for board exams as it tests both memory and structural reasoning, often featuring direct questions on structures, classifications, and tests for various biomolecules. Mastering this chapter ensures scoring high in the organic chemistry section.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Carbohydrates
Optically active polyhydroxy aldehydes or polyhydroxy ketones, classified into monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides based on hydrolysis behavior.
Proteins
High molecular mass polymers of alpha-amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, essential for body growth and repair with primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.
Nucleic Acids
Biopolymers like DNA and RNA made of nucleotides (pentose sugar, nitrogenous base, and phosphate group) responsible for heredity and protein synthesis.
Enzymes
Biological catalysts produced by living cells which are mostly globular proteins that speed up specific biochemical reactions.
Vitamins
Organic compounds required in small amounts for normal health, growth, and development, classified into fat-soluble (A, D, E, K) and water-soluble (B-group, C).
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
This chapter typically carries around 4 to 6 marks in the Maharashtra (MSBSHSE) HSC Chemistry board exam. Questions frequently include short notes on peptide bonds, differences between DNA and RNA, classification of carbohydrates, denaturation of proteins, and structures of glucose or amino acids.
Frequently Asked Questions
Alpha and beta-D-glucose are anomers that differ only in the configuration of the hydroxyl group at C-1 (hemiacetal carbon). In alpha-form, the -OH group at C-1 is pointing downwards, while in beta-form, it is pointing upwards.
Alpha and beta-D-glucose are anomers differing in the configuration of the -OH group at C-1. In alpha-glucose, -OH is down; in beta-glucose, it is up.
Why are proteins called polymers of amino acids?
Proteins are long-chain macromolecules formed by joining hundreds of alpha-amino acid molecules together through peptide bonds, which makes them natural polymers.
What is the structural difference between DNA and RNA?
DNA contains beta-D-2-deoxyribose sugar and thymine as a base, and is double-stranded. RNA contains beta-D-ribose sugar and uracil in place of thymine, and is typically single-stranded.
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