MODULE.

01
Biomolecules and their Applications.
1. What are biomolecules? Explain in brief about different types of Biomolecules.

Biomolecules are the organic molecules that are essential for life. They are the
building blocks for living organisms and play an important role in many biological processes.

Types of Biomolecules: 1. Carbohydrates. 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids.

Carbohydrates: These are the Organic molecules made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, and
Oxygen. Carbohydrates are the main source of energy for the body. They are found in grains,
fruits, and vegetables.

Lipids: These are Organic molecules that are insoluble in water. They Include fats, oils
waxes, and steroids. Lipids reserve energy, provide insulation, and are important
components in cell membranes.
Proteins: These are Organic molecules made up of Amino acids. Proteins perform a
variety of functions in the body. Proteins provide structures to the cells, transporting to the
molecules, Catalyzing Chemical reactions. Proteins are found in meat, Dairy products, and
beans.

Nucleic acids: These are the organic molecules that store genetic information. They include
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acids) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA is the genetic material that is
passed from one generation to the next, while RNA is involved in the synthesis of proteins.
ALL of these biomolecules are essential for life and are found in all living organisms. They
interact with each other in complex ways to carry out the functions that are necessary for
life.

2. Explain what is Cellulose and mention the role of Cellulose in water filtration.

Cellulose is a naturally occurring polymer made up of repeating units of glucose molecules

linked to their linear chain. The chemical structure of the Cellulose molecule is shown in the
figure below.
It is the most abundant organic compound found in nature. Insoluble in water and forms long
fibrous strands that are highly resistant to chemical and biological degradation.
Because of its high tensile strength and biodegradability, cellulose is widely used in the
production of paper, textiles, and other products.

Cellulose is effective in removing particles such as sand, silt, and sediment, as well as organic
and inorganic contaminants.

Hence it is used in household water filtration systems to industrial-scale water treatment

plants.
Role of Cellulose in Water Filtration: Cellulose Plays an important role in water filters.
Some of the key functions of cellulose in water filtration is

Filtration: It is a fibrous material with a complex, porous structure. This structure allows water to
pass through while trapping particles and impurities in the filter material.

Structural support: Cellulose provide structural support to water filters. Cellulose fibers can be
combined with other materials like Perlite, which create a porous filter material. This porous filter
maintains its shape and does not collapse under pressure.

Binding Agent: Cellulose can be used as a binder to hold other filter materials in place. For example,
Cellulose can be combined with activated carbon to create filter material that holds activated Carbon
in place and prevents it from leaching into filtered Water.

Biodegradability: Cellulose is a biodegradable material that breaks down naturally in the

environment, and can be disposed of without causing harm to the environ
3. Describe the design and development of Cellulose-based Water filters
The design and development of a Cellulose base water filter involves the following steps.
1. Material Selection: Cellulose is cost-effective material and is available from a variety of
natural sources like wood pulp cotton, and other plant fibers. It has desired properties of the
filter.
2. Processing: Cellulose can be processed into a suitable form for use in water filters. It
involves purification, drying, and milling to produce fine powder.

3. Filter design: Cellulose filters can be designed to trap different types of impurities. Such
as sand, silt, and sediment, as well as organic and Inorganic contaminants.
4. Chemical Treatment: The cellulose filters may be treated with chemicals to enhance their
filtration properties or to add anti-microbial properties.

5. Testing: The Cellulose filter should be tested to ensure that it meets the required filtration
standards and is effective at removing impurities from water.

6. Production: once the filter has been designed and tested, it can be produced at a scale of
Commercial use.

7. Maintenance: These filters need to be replaced periodically to ensure effectiveness. The

frequency of replacement depends on factors such as the level of impurities and the amount
of use.

4. What is a PHA molecule and mention the applications of PHA Bioplastics.

PHA is a biodegradable and biocompatible Polymer obtained from renewable resources such
as plant-based oils, Waste cooking oil, and agricultural waste. The chemical structure of the
PHA molecule is shown below.

PHA Bioplastics have several advantages over traditional plastics.

These are biodegradable, which means they can be broken down by natural processes. They
are non-toxic and do not release harmful chemicals when it breaks down, unlike traditional
plastic
PHA can be used to make biodegradable packaging materials for food and beverages.

In agriculture, PHA can be used to make biodegradable mulch films.

In the medical industry, PHA bioplastics can be used to make sutures, implants, and drug

delivery systems.

PHA Bioplastics have been shown to be compatible with human tissues, and have low

toxicity, making them attractive options for medical applications

5.Mention the advantages of PHAs as Plastic materials.

1.Biodegradability: PHAs are biodegradable and can be broken down naturally by

microorganisms in the environment. This makes them an environmentally friendly alternative
to traditional plastic materials.

2.Versatility: PHAs can be produced in a variety of different forms, from flexible films to
rigid structures. This makes them versatile materials that can be used for a range of different
applications.

3.Renewable: PHAs are produced using renewable resources such as Plant oils, or waste
streams from the food Industry. This makes them a sustainable alternative to traditional
plastic materials

4.Non-Toxic: PHAs are nontoxic and Biocompatible, making them suitable for use in
medical applications, such as sutures, drug delivery and tissue Engineering.
6.Explain in brief nucleic acid. Discuss DNA Vaccine for rabies and RNA Vaccine for
Covid-19.

Nucleic acids are biomolecules that are essential for life. They carry genetic information in all
living organisms. There are two types of nucleic acids.
1. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) 2.Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

DNA Vaccine for rabies: To produce a DNA vaccine for rabies, Identify the genetic factor
that codes for a protein on the surface of the rabies virus that is targeted by the immune
system. This gene is then inserted in to a plasmid, which is a small circular piece of DNA that
can reproduce independently of the host DNA.
The Plasmid with the gene is then injected into the muscle tissue of the individual receiving
the vaccine. The muscle cells take up the plasmid and begin producing the rabies protein.
This triggers the immune response leading to the production of antibodies against the rabies
virus.
RNA Vaccine for Covid-19: RNA Vaccines are the types of vaccine that works by using a
small piece of genetic material.

The mRNA vaccine for Covid-19 such as Pfizer-BioNTech and Moderna contain a
small piece of the virus’s RNA when injected in the body it instruct cells in the body to
produce harmless piece of the virus called the Spike Protein. Once the spike protein is
produced, the immune system recognizes it as a foreign body and stands as immune response,
producing antibodies that can recognize and neutralize the actual virus if person is later
expose to it.

7.Elucidate the importance of DNA in finger printing system.

The process of DNA fingerprinting contains the following steps.

1. DNA Extraction: DNA is extracted from biological samples such as blood, Saliva, or from
hair found at the crime section.

2. Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) : PCR is used to amplify specific regions of DNA to
generate enough material for analysis.

3. Gel electrophoresis: The amplified DNA fragments are separated by size using gel
electrophoresis. A pattern of bands unique to each individual is obtained.

4. Hybridization: A DNA probe is added to the gel, which binds to the specific DNA fragment
of interest and creates a visible signal.

5. Analysis: The resulting DNA fingerprint is compared to the DNA profiles of potential
suspects to determine if there is a match.

Forensic scientists compare DNA profiles from different samples to determine if they
came from the same individuals or related individuals. This information can be used to
identify suspects. The following figure shows the amplified DNA-separated bands which help
Forensic investigations.