Biomolecules definition

Why is the NOE so important to the NMR spectroscopist Because it allows us to obtain information about the 3-dimensional structure of the molecule under consideration in solution (remember the only other way to do this is by X-ray structural analysis, but this only works for substances which give good-quality crystals, and by definition not for liquids). Thus we can obtain information on conformations or configurations, something which is particularly important for biomolecules such as proteins, where NOE measurements are absolutely vital. 

Organic matter extracted from earth materials usually is fractionated on the basis of solubility characteristics. The fractions commonly obtained include humic acid (soluble in alkaline solution, insoluble in acidic solution), fulvic acid (soluble in aqueous media at any pH), hymatomelamic acid (alcohol-soluble part of humic acid), and humin (insoluble in alkaline solutions). This operational fractionation is based in part on the classical definition by Aiken et al. (1985). It should be noticed, however, that this fractionation of soil organic matter does not lead to a pure compound each named fraction consists of a very complicated, heterogeneous mixture of organic substances. Hayes and Malcom (2001) emphasize that biomolecules, which are not part of humic substances, also may precipitate at a pH of 1 or 2 with the humic acids. Furthermore, the more polar compounds may precipitate with fulvic acids. 

The flow-through sensors described in this Section comply essentially with the definition of biosensor. This word, like every term used to designate devices of scientific and popular note, has been the object of a number of definitions of both generic and specific scope. In a broad sense, a biosensor is any instrument or technique that measures biomolecules. In stricter terms, Rechnitz defines a biosensor as "a device that incorporates a biochemical or biological component as a molecular recognition element and yields an analytical signal in response to biomolecules" [10]. In between these two... 

Operational Definition of Lipids How is the definition of lipid different from the types of definitions used for other biomolecules that we have considered, such as amino acids, nucleic acids, and proteins ... 

Lipids are far more diverse chemically than other typical biomolecules such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and nucleotides. The definition of lipids includes simple fatty acids and their glycerol esters, sterols such as cholesterol, and phospholipids, sphingolipids, and cerebrosides. Lipids are generally defined by their common hydrophobic character, which makes them soluble in organic solvents such as chloroform. Virtually all lipids also have a hydrophilic group, which makes them surface active. 

The situation is different for aqueous species of humic substances, the organic matter in soil that is not identifiable as unaltered or partially altered biomass or as conventional biomolecules.21 Humic substances comprise organic compounds that are not synthesized directly to sustain the life cycles of the soil biomass. More specifically, they comprise polymeric molecules produced through microbial action that differ from biopolymers because of their molecular structure and their long-term persistence in soil. This definition of humic substances implies no particular set of organic compounds, range of relative molecular mass, or mode of chemical reactivity. What is essential is dissimilarity to conventional biomolecular structures and biologically refractory behavior. 

Many biomolecules feature metal ions in a mixed donor set, and the area is intensively studied. As an example, the active site of the hydrogenase from thiocapsa roseopersicina features nickel in a mixed 0,N,S donor environment. Definition of the ligand donor set in biopolymers is not always facile, however, so they tend to be overlooked as examples of mixed donor ligands. There are some small biomolecule examples extant. 

Owing to their definite structures, most biomolecules have an appreciable permanent dipole moment which must lead to dielectric polarization via the rotational mechanism of preferential orientation. Thus pertinent experimental investigation permits a direct determination of the molecular dipole moments and rotational relaxation times (or rotational diffusion coefficients, respectively). These are characteristic factors for many macro-molecules and give valuable information regarding structural properties such as length, shape, and mass. 

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