Big Macromolecules: Proteins and Nucleic Acids

Study Notes

Here are the summarized bullet points:

• The lesson focuses on big macro molecules, specifically proteins and nucleic acids, and their functions in the body.

• Proteins are fundamental building blocks of the body, providing strength, producing hormones, enzymes, and other metabolic chemicals, and are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

• The monomers of proteins are amino acids, and there are 20 different amino acids that make up proteins.

• Proteins have various functions, including controlling reaction rates, forming muscles, fighting diseases, and participating in cell transport.

• The body cannot synthesize essential amino acids, so they must be obtained through diet.

• Amino acids are joined by peptide bonds to form proteins, and protein synthesis occurs through a process called translation in the cytoplasm.

• There are 20 amino acids, some of which are essential, conditionally essential, and non-essential.

• Proteins can be classified into two types: fibrous proteins, which provide structure, and globular proteins, which have various functions such as transporting and storing nutrients.

• Proteins can also be classified according to their structure, including primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.

• Enzymes are proteins that carry out chemical reactions in the body, and hormones are proteins that help balance the body's components.

• Antibodies are proteins used by the immune system to repair and heal the body from foreign bacteria.

• Proteins are also a source of energy and help rebuild and strengthen muscles.

• Nucleic acids are linear polymers of nucleotides that form an integral part of the information transfer system in cells.

• The elements that make up nucleic acids are carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

• The monomers of nucleic acids are nucleotides, and the polymers are DNA and RNA.

• Nucleic acids store genetic code and transmit hereditary information.

• The composition of a nucleotide includes a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous bases such as adenine, cytosine, guanine, and thymine.

• DNA is double-stranded, has deoxyribose as its sugar, and has the bases A-T-C-G, while RNA is single-stranded, has ribose as its sugar, and has the bases A-U-C-G.

• There are different types of RNA, including messenger RNA, transfer RNA, and ribosomal RNA.

• Nucleic acids are difficult to find in food, but their components come from vitamins and minerals in fruits, vegetables, greens, and meats.

• Nucleic acids are essential for life processes, and their structure is related to their function.

Description

This quiz covers the structure, functions, and importance of proteins and nucleic acids in the human body. Learn about the composition, types, and roles of proteins and nucleic acids, including their monomers, synthesis, and functions.