Molecules of life -- Is H2O a biomolecule?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Nikhil faraday
  • Start date Start date
  • Tags Tags
    Life Molecules
Click For Summary
SUMMARY

Water (H2O) is often debated in the context of biomolecules. While traditional definitions may exclude H2O from being classified as a biomolecule, its critical role in cellular processes and integration into biological systems supports its consideration as such. Although most biomolecules are carbon-based, the active participation of water in biological functions justifies its classification as a biomolecule in certain contexts.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of biomolecule definitions and classifications
  • Knowledge of cellular processes and their requirements
  • Familiarity with organic versus inorganic compounds
  • Basic principles of biological systems and their components
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the role of water in cellular metabolism
  • Explore definitions of biomolecules in scientific literature
  • Investigate the properties of water that contribute to its biological functions
  • Study the differences between organic and inorganic molecules in biological contexts
USEFUL FOR

Biologists, biochemists, and students studying life sciences who seek to understand the classification and role of water in biological systems.

Nikhil faraday
Messages
23
Reaction score
0
Is H2O a biomolecule?
 
Biology news on Phys.org
Nikhil faraday said:
Is H2O a biomolecule?

Not if you define a "biomolecule" as occurring naturally only in certain systems which we refer to as "biological systems" such as proteins. Obviously other molecules enter into biological processes, so if you want to call them "biomolecules" in this context, go ahead. The online definitions are not very discriminating, but they don't mention H2O in the examples I've seen. It's certainly true that water acts as a biomolecule.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nikhil faraday and BillTre
Thank you very much.wonderful answer
 
Yes, water has such an active role in cellular processes that it is often considered a biomolecule. Although most biomolecules are carbon-based and water is not organic, it is naturally integrated into biological systems (natural occurrence).
 
  • Like
Likes   Reactions: Nikhil faraday

Similar threads

Molecules that are not part of life?
  • · Replies 19 ·
Replies
19
Views
3K
What factors influence the folding of proteins and biomolecules?
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
3K
Life’s First Molecule Was Protein, Not RNA
  • · Replies 13 ·
Replies
13
Views
4K
Biomolecules which can be optically aligned
  • · Replies 3 ·
Replies
3
Views
1K
What is the difference between polysaccharides and lipids?
  • · Replies 18 ·
Replies
18
Views
3K
Origin of Life Podcast with Nick Lane & Sean Carroll
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
2K
How do O2 molecules from solution get into ATP?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
3K
Thoughts on the early formation of life
  • · Replies 12 ·
Replies
12
Views
2K
Asteroid Impacts and Life on Earth
  • · Replies 6 ·
Replies
6
Views
4K
Detecting Martian Life: How Can We Find Evidence of Slow Life on the Red Planet?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
3K