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Chapter 3 of 12
Syllabus

Biomolecules

CBSE · Class 11 · Biotechnology

Complete topic list for Biomolecules in CBSE Class 11 Biotechnology. Key concepts, sub-topics, and what to focus on for board exams.

5 concepts

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4 Topics · CBSE Class 11 Biotechnology

Topics in Biomolecules

1

Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are aldehyde or ketone derivatives of polyhydric alcohols with general formula Cₙ(H₂O)ₙ.
  • Primary roles: energy source, energy storage, structural components, and informational molecules.
  • Classified into monosaccharides, oligosaccharides, and polysaccharides based on chain length.
2

Fatty Acids and Lipids

  • Lipids are hydrophobic, non-polar organic compounds soluble in organic solvents.
  • Fatty acids are long-chain hydrocarbons with a terminal carboxylic acid group; naturally occurring ones have even number of carbon atoms (synthesised from 2-carbon units).
  • Saturated fatty acids: no double bonds (e.g., stearic acid 18:0, palmitic acid 16:0).
3

Amino Acids

  • Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins; 20 standard amino acids exist.
  • General structure: central α-carbon linked to –NH₂ (amino group), –COOH (carboxyl group), –H, and –R (side chain).
  • The R group (side chain) is unique to each amino acid; glycine has R = H (simplest); alanine has R = –CH₃.
4

Protein Structure

  • Proteins are made of amino acids linked by peptide (amide) bonds in a linear sequence.
  • Peptide bond: formed between α-COOH of one amino acid and α-NH₂ of the next, with loss of a water molecule (condensation reaction).
  • Peptide bond has partial double bond character (~40%) due to resonance — restricts free rotation.

Key Concepts

Central concept: Biomolecules: The Building Blocks of Life

CarbohydratesLipidsAmino AcidsProteinsNucleic Acids

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the important topics in Biomolecules for CBSE Class 11 Biotechnology?
Key topics in Biomolecules include Biomolecules — Complete Chapter Overview, Biomolecules - Complete Chapter Concept Hierarchy, Correct vs Incorrect: Starch vs Cellulose — Why the Glycosidic Bond Matters. These are the concepts CBSE Class 11 examiners draw on most — study them first, then practise related questions.
How to score full marks in Biomolecules — CBSE Class 11 Biotechnology?
Start by understanding all key concepts. Practise previous year questions from this chapter. Revise formulas and definitions regularly. Use flashcards for quick revision before the exam.

Sources & Official References

Content is aligned to the official syllabus. Refer to the board website for the latest curriculum.

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