Grade 10

Biological molecules are organic molecules that are present in living cells. They can be
small or large molecules. Whereas, biomacromolecules are large molecules with a molecular
weight of over a few thousand grams per mole. Biomacromolecules are often biopolymers that
are made up of hundreds and thousands of smaller molecules called monomers. The word
monomer comes from the Greek word monas meaning single and meros meaning part.
Polymerization is a process through which monomers are joined to form polymers. This process
is often a dehydration (removal of a molecule of water) process in the formation of a biopolymer
such as protein. On the other hand, the process of breaking down biopolymers into monomers is
often hydrolysis (breaking down), e.g. digestion of protein. The four major groups of biological
molecules that are found in living organisms are carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and nucleic acids.
All living beings need these molecules to survive.
Carbohydrates: These are the primary source of energy for the body. They provide fuel
for cellular processes and are found in foods like fruits, vegetables, grains, and legumes. Fiber, a
type of carbohydrate, is important for digestive health and helps prevent conditions like
constipation and diverticulosis.
Lipids: Lipids include fats, oils, and cholesterol. They are essential for cell structure,
energy storage, and insulation. However, excessive intake of certain lipids, such as saturated fats
and trans fats, can contribute to health issues like cardiovascular disease.
Proteins: Proteins are vital for building and repairing tissues, regulating body processes,
and serving as enzymes that facilitate chemical reactions in the body. Amino acids, the building
blocks of proteins, are obtained from the diet and are crucial for overall health.
Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids, including DNA and RNA, carry genetic information and
are essential for the transmission of hereditary traits from one generation to another. They also
play key roles in protein synthesis and cellular function.
Maintaining a balanced diet that includes adequate amounts of these biomolecules is
crucial for optimal health. Imbalances or deficiencies in any of these biomolecules can lead to
various health problems, such as obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic
disorders. Additionally, understanding how these biomolecules interact with each other and with
other factors like lifestyle and environmental influences is important for promoting overall well-
being.
 Grade 8

The genotype refers to the genetic material passed between generations, and the phenotype is
observable characteristics or traits of an organism.

Example:
Xx - Black cow BB – Oversized chicken
The color “Black” is the phenotype The “oversize” is the phenotype
The genetic material “Xx” is the genotype The genetic material “BB” is the genotype

Activity 1.
Identify the genotype and phenotype of following:

Characteristics Genotype Phenotype

Example: (Ss) Short horned goat “Ss” Short
(Bb) Blue eyed cat
(WW) White flowered Gumamela
(Cc) Curly haired girl
(Tt) Big eared dog
(RR) Round faced child

In Mendelian genetics, homozygous is considered as a true breeding; that is, the pairs of alleles
that express a given trait are the same while Heterozygous refers to having inherited different
forms of a particular gene from each parent.
Heterozygote Homozygote
“Xx” “XX” or “xx”

Mendel’s law of dominance states that in a heterozygote, one trait will conceal the presence of
another trait for the same characteristic. Rather than both alleles contributing to a phenotype, the
dominant allele will be expressed exclusively. The dominant trait is represented by a “Big letter”
while the recessive trait is represented by a “small letter.”

Example:
Offspring
Parent (father) Parent (Mother)
genotype phenotype
Tall (T) Short (t) Tt Tall
Tall (T) Tall (T) TT Tall
Short (t) Tall (Tall) Tt Tall
Short (t) Short (t) tt Short

Activity 2.
Give the genotype and phenotype of the following pairs.
Offspring
Parent (father) Parent (Mother)
genotype phenotype
Curly hair (C) Straight hair (c)
Straight hair (c) Curly hair (C)
Straight hair (c) Straight hair (c)
Blue eyes (B) Black eyes (b)
Blue eyes (B) Blue eyes (B)