# 3. Conversion processes and products

The previous chapter discussed how the biomass as raw material can be produced. However, biomass is not the endproduct. To make an endproduct conversion steps are necessary. Multiple options exists to go from biomass to products. A nice overview of all the possibilities is given in the so-called "Routekaart biobased economy" which you can find here.

Routekaart

For a proper understanding of this chapter it is important to refresh your knowledge about the structure of the basic molecules in biology. Therefore the following video is embedded below.

The major groups of these basic molecules are:

1. Carbohydrates and sugars

2. Proteins and amino acids

3. Fats or triglycerides

4. Secondary metabolites (vitamins, dyes, fragrancies, antimicrobials, plant defence metabolites etc)

5. Minerals

Often biorefinery serves to (partly) separate the different groups of molecules, and to convert these in order to form bioproducts.

Explanation of the structures of the basic biomolecules https://youtu.be/PYH63o10iTE