BIOCOMPOSITES: CHARACTERISTICS, CLASSIFICATION AND IMPORTANCE - BIOLOGY - 2025

The biocomposites are a set of elements that all human beings and all living beings need for the proper functioning of the body. They are considered essential and necessary for the work of the different organs and vital systems that make up the body.

It is important to mention that each compound has a different function in the body and therefore, the appearance of each of them is necessary for the maintenance and continuation of life.

Biocomposites are a series of chemical elements that are formed after the union of two or more bioelements. The latter are found in all living matter, and can appear and function in isolation, but generally they come together to form biocomposites and continue to fulfill their functions.

Although the human body is responsible for generating its own biocomposites necessary for proper functioning, each person has to strive to acquire their own biocomposites through the intake of foods that have them.

Biocomposites are divided and classified into four types, which are really important for the various functions of the human body. These groups are: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

Classification of biocomposites

Biocomposites are divided into two large groups: organic and inorganic.

Organic compounds

As for inorganic compounds, they are biocomposites that are part of all living beings, and even after dying, there are bodies that retain them in their structure.

They have a simpler structure and they include water, oxygen, phosphate, bicarbonate, ammonium, among others. On the other hand, organic compounds are only present in living beings and are characterized by the presence of carbon in their structure.

However, other inorganic biocomposites, such as oxygen, sulfur or phosphorus, are also needed to accompany carbon.

These chemical elements come together to make way for the groups mentioned above: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates, also known as carbohydrates, are biocomposites that can be found in foods such as: potatoes, pasta, rice, bread and others.

Depending on the elements that make up its structure, they can be divided into three groups: monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides.

The main function of carbohydrates is to provide enough energy that the body will need to carry out all its daily tasks and tasks.

Lipids

Lipids are a biocomposite made up exclusively of hydrogen and carbon elements. In the human body they function as energy stores. Similarly, in this group there are a series of subdivisions.

In the group of lipids are fatty acids, phospholipids and steroids or cholesterol.

Lipids can be found in olive oil, butter, peanut butter, corn oil, among other foods.

Protein

Proteins are defined as a set of amino acids that function in the human body as catalysts for certain chemical reactions and are vital and completely necessary to perform these functions.

Proteins are the group of biocomposites that we should consume daily and at each meal, since their molecules make up the structure of our body, helping it to be healthy and well nourished.

Some types of proteins are keratin, elastin, albumin, zeatin, and vitamins.

We can mostly find these biocomposites in animal meats and in all kinds of fruits.

Nucleic acids

Lastly, there are nucleic acids. Although all the named groups mentioned above are important, these are the most important and essential biocomposites. Without them, life would not be possible.

Nucleic acids are divided into two main types. Mainly, there is deoxyribonucleic acid, better known as DNA.

This is found in the nucleus of the cell and is responsible for containing all the genetic information of the person.

DNA is made up of 4 nitrogenous bases: adenine, guanine, cytosine and thymine. In addition, it has a phosphate, a sugar and a propeller.

On the other hand, ribonucleic acid (RNA) has two helices, four nitrogenous bases: adenine, cytosine, guanine and uracil, a sugar and a phosphate.

Importance of biocomposites

Biocomposites are essential for the life of any living being. They perform and are in charge of various specific functions that help to better understand their role in the body.

For example, carbohydrates play a fundamental role, since they store and provide the energy that the body needs to carry out the simplest and most everyday tasks, but also those that are complex and require greater effort. Therefore, it is important to include this group of biocomposites in the daily diet.

As for some inorganic compounds like water, it is important for multiple reasons. Thanks to its abundant presence on Earth, but especially in the human body, it works to control its temperature and in turn eliminate all toxins that may be generated.

In addition, water is responsible for transporting nutrients to other organs and, finally, it helps fight viruses and diseases in case of having contracted them.

Proteins help shape and support tissues throughout the human body; It works as a catalyst for metabolism and controls its functioning.

Like water, proteins help transport substances to other vital organs and systems. In addition, they serve to send messages to the brain and neurons.

Finally, there are lipids that have a behavior similar to carbohydrates: they work to maintain and provide energy to the body, but they are also a reserve for those moments when carbohydrates “run out”. Likewise, lipids control and regulate the temperature in the human body.

References

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