Functions and Composition of Macromolecules

Question 1

Carbohydrates

Answer 1

Structure: CHO; Always contain 3-7 carbon atoms per “unit”
Function: Carbohydrates primarily store energy, but also serve in functions like cell structure (ex. cellulose in plant cells). Monomers are combined via a process called dehydration synthesis, wherein a water molecule is removed and a glycosidic bond is formed to create a polymer. The reverse process, hydrolysis, utilizes a water molecule to break up a glycosidic bond.

Question 2

Lipids

Answer 2

Structure: CHO(P); Nonpolar; Various structures
Function: Lipids have varied purposes based on their structure. Phospholipids, which have a nonpolar head consisting of BLANK and a polar tail consisting of BLANK, are used to build cell membranes that repel water with the aforementioned nonpolar head. Steroids consist of 4 fused carbon rings, and they BLANK. Lastly, fatty acids consist of long chains of carbon-carbon bonds. Unsaturated fatty acids have double carbon bonds that result in “kinks” that keep them from packing tightly, resulting in a liquid state at room temperature. Saturated fatty acids are “saturated” in hydrogen, leading to only single carbon bonds. These fatty acids are far easier to pack due to these bonds, leading to a solid state at room temperature.

Question 3

Nucleic Acids

Answer 3

Structure: CHNOP; Made of nucleotide, which include the following; Phosphate Group (5’ End), Hydroxyl Group (3’ End), and Nitrogenous Base; DNA has adenine-thymine and cytosine-guanine matches. RNA has adenine-uracil and cytosine-guanine matches. C, T, and U are purines, and A and G are pyramidines.
Function: Nucleic acids build DNA and RNA. DNA, deoxyribose nucleic acids, are typically double stranded helixes that serve as a template for cell construction. RNA, ribose nucleic acids, are typically single stranded helixes that serve more so as trainers.

Question 4

Proteins

Answer 4

Structure: CHNO(S); Made up of amino acid chains (20 kinds of amino acids); Amino acids consist of an R group and a carboxyl group. Consists of the following four orders of structure: Primary, which consists of the linear amino acid chain and is connected by peptide bonds; Secondary, which consists of the 2D structure of the protein — it is connected by hydrogen bonds and can be in either an alpha helix structure or a beta pleated sheet structure; Tertiary structure, which is the 3D structure and is built via disulfide ionic; and the quaternary structure, which consists of two or more tertiary structures.
Function: Takes part in various functions, including storage. Also build enzymes.