Biomolecule
A molecule produced by or found in a living organism. Biomolecules include proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, and small metabolites.
Protein: A chain or assembly of amino acids that performs structural, catalytic, transport, signaling, or other functions. Proteins are a major biomolecule family built from amino acids.
Molecular structure: The arrangement of atoms and chemical bonds within a molecule. Biomolecules’ shapes and chemical properties arise from their atomic arrangements.
Biomarker: A measurable biological feature used to indicate a physiological state, disease, or response to treatment. Specific biomolecules can serve as measurable indicators of health or disease.
Prebiotic chemistry: Chemical reactions that could occur on the early Earth before life emerged. It investigates how biomolecule precursors and simple biological compounds could form without life.
Organic compound: A carbon-based chemical compound, commonly defined by its carbon–hydrogen framework. Many biomolecules are organic compounds, but most organic compounds are not biological products.
Nucleic acid: A polymer of nucleotides that stores, transmits, or helps express genetic information. DNA and RNA are biomolecules assembled from nucleotide building blocks.
Protein folding: The process by which a protein chain adopts a three-dimensional structure. A protein’s folded shape helps determine its activity and interactions.
Drug discovery: The process of identifying and developing compounds that can prevent or treat disease. Drug discovery often targets biomolecules or uses them to identify disease mechanisms.
RNA world hypothesis: The hypothesis that early life relied on RNA for both information storage and catalytic activity. It proposes a route by which one biomolecule could perform two life-like roles.
Synthetic biology: The design or redesign of biological systems using engineering principles. Its engineered molecules complicate the distinction between naturally produced and deliberately constructed biomolecules.