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Questions and Answers
Which class of biological macromolecules is responsible for carrying the genetic information of cells?
What type of macromolecule serves as energy sources and structural elements in cells?
Which macromolecule is composed of one or more chains of amino acids?
Which macromolecule is responsible for forming membranes, storing energy, and providing insulation in cells?
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Which macromolecule is essential for cellular processes and involved in functions such as muscle contraction and DNA replication?
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Which complex macromolecule is a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides and is responsible for the transmission of genetic information?
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Study Notes
Biological Molecules
Biological macromolecules are large organic molecules that make up the majority of a cell's mass and perform a wide range of functions. There are four major classes of biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, or saccharides, are macromolecules composed of sugar units. They serve as energy sources and structural elements in cells. Examples of carbohydrates include glucose, a simple sugar, and cellulose, a polysaccharide that provides structural support in plants.
Lipids
Lipids, which are nonpolar and insoluble in water, serve various functions in cells. They form membranes, store energy, and provide insulation. Saturated fatty acids, unsaturated fatty acids, and triglycerides are examples of lipids.
Proteins
Proteins are complex macromolecules made up of one or more chains of amino acids. They perform various functions, including acting as enzymes, hormones, and structural elements. Proteins are essential for cellular processes and are involved in functions such as muscle contraction, immune response, and DNA replication.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, including deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA), carry the genetic information of cells. DNA, a double-stranded polymer of nucleotides, is responsible for the transmission of genetic information from parents to offspring. RNA is involved in protein synthesis and gene expression.
In conclusion, biological macromolecules are essential for life and perform a variety of critical functions in cells. The four major classes of biological macromolecules - carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids - are organic, containing carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and other elements. Their unique structures and properties are determined by the functional groups present, allowing them to carry out diverse roles in cells.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the four major classes of biological macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Learn about their structures, functions, and importance in cellular processes.
