Title Boilogy for Engineers Notes- Module 02 (1).pdf ✅

Biology for Engineers - Notes Module - 02 BIOMOLECULES AND THEIR APPLICATIONS (QUALITATIVE): Carbohydrates (cellulose-based water filters, PHA and PLA as bioplastics), Nucleic acids (DNA Vaccine for Rabies and RNA vaccines for Covid19, Forensics – DNA fingerprinting), Proteins (Proteins as food -whey protein and meat analogs, Plant based proteins), lipids (biodiesel, cleaning agents/detergents), Enzymes (glucose-oxidase in biosensors, lignolytic enzyme in bio-bleaching). Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are a class of organic compounds that play a crucial role in biology and are an important source of energy for living organisms. They are composed of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms and are classified based on their molecular structure and function. Carbohydrates can be classified into four main groups based on the number of sugar units they contain: 1. Monosaccharides: These are the simplest carbohydrates, containing only one sugar unit. They are the most basic form of carbohydrates and cannot be broken down further. Common examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. 2. Disaccharides :Disaccharides are formed by the linkage of two monosaccharide units. They are slightly more complex than monosaccharides and require breakdown by enzymes before the body can absorb them. Common examples of disaccharides include sucrose (table sugar), lactose (milk sugar), and maltose (grain sugar). 3. Oligosaccharides: Oligosaccharides are a class of carbohydrates that contain a small number of monosaccharide units linked together, typically between 3 and 10 units. They are more complex than disaccharides but less complex than polysaccharides.
Some oligosaccharides are important for human health, such as those that act as prebiotics in the gut. 4. Polysaccharides: Polysaccharides are the most complex carbohydrates, containing hundreds or even thousands of monosaccharide units linked together. They are often referred to as complex carbohydrates. Polysaccharides serve as storage molecules (e.g., starch) or structural components (e.g., cellulose) in cells. Common examples of polysaccharides include starch, glycogen, cellulose, and chitin. Industrial Applications of Carbohydrates Carbohydrates have a wide range of applications in various industries, including: 1. Food and Beverage: Carbohydrates are widely used as sweeteners, thickeners, and stabilizers in food and beverage products. They are also used as energy sources in sports drinks and energy bars. 2. Pharmaceuticals: Carbohydrates are used as excipients in pharmaceutical formulations to improve the stability, solubility, and bioavailability of drugs. They are also used as a source of energy in medical nutrition products. 3. Cosmetics: Carbohydrates are used in cosmetic products, such as moisturizers, shampoos, and conditioners, to provide hydration and improve skin and hair health. 4. Biotechnology: Carbohydrates are widely used in the production of biodegradable plastics, biofuels, and other renewable energy sources. 5. Research: Carbohydrates are widely used as research tools in the fields of immunology, virology, and cellular biology. They are used as ligands in protein-carbohydrate interactions and as probes to study cellular signaling pathways. Cellulose-Based Water Filters Cellulose-based water filters are filters made from cellulose, a carbohydrate polymer found in plant cell walls. They are used to remove impurities and contaminants from water and are an alternative to traditional synthetic polymer filters. The high mechanical strength and hydrophilic properties
of cellulose make it an ideal material for water filtration. Cellulose filters can effectively remove particles, pathogens, and other contaminants from water, making it safer and more potable. Cellulose-based water filters are widely used in both developed and developing countries for household, industrial, and agricultural applications. They are also an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional filters, as they are biodegradable and can be produced from renewable resources. Properties of cellulose based water filter Cellulose-based water filters have several properties that make them an attractive choice for water filtration: 1. High Porosity: Cellulose-based water filters have a high porosity structure, which allows them to efficiently remove impurities and contaminants from water. 2. Biodegradability: Cellulose-based water filters are made from a biodegradable material, cellulose, which reduces their impact on the environment compared to synthetic polymer filters. 3. Cost-effective: Cellulose-based water filters are often more affordable than traditional synthetic polymer filters, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers and communities. 4. Renewable resource: Cellulose-based water filters are made from a renewable resource, cellulose, reducing the dependency on non-renewable resources. 5. Good mechanical strength: Cellulose-based water filters have good mechanical strength, allowing them to maintain their structure and perform effectively over time.
6. Chemical resistance: Cellulose-based water filters are resistant to most chemicals, including acids and bases, and can be used in a wide range of water treatment applications. 7. Large surface area: Cellulose-based water filters have a large surface area, which enhances their filtration capabilities and reduces the frequency of filter replacement. Importance of cellulose based water filters Cellulose-based water filters are important for several reasons: 1. Safe and clean water: Cellulose-based water filters effectively remove impurities and contaminants from water, making it safer and more potable for various applications, including household, industrial, and agricultural use. 2. Sustainability: Cellulose-based water filters are made from a renewable resource, cellulose, and are biodegradable, reducing their impact on the environment and promoting sustainability in water treatment processes. 3. Affordability: Cellulose-based water filters are often more affordable than traditional synthetic polymer filters, making them accessible to a wider range of consumers and communities, especially in developing countries. 4. Versatility: Cellulose-based water filters can be used in various types of filtration systems and can be produced in different sizes and shapes to fit specific needs. 5. Alternative to synthetic filters: Cellulose-based water filters provide an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional synthetic polymer filters, reducing the dependency on nonrenewable resources and reducing waste.