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Questions and Answers
Which macromolecule is primarily composed of amino acids?
Which macromolecule is primarily composed of amino acids?
What is the basic formula for carbohydrates in terms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?
What is the basic formula for carbohydrates in terms of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen?
Which macromolecule serves as a primary source of energy for the body?
Which macromolecule serves as a primary source of energy for the body?
What type of bonds link the monomers of macromolecules to form larger polymers?
What type of bonds link the monomers of macromolecules to form larger polymers?
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Which macromolecule category is responsible for contributing to the structure of plant cell walls?
Which macromolecule category is responsible for contributing to the structure of plant cell walls?
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Which functional groups characterize amino acids that form proteins?
Which functional groups characterize amino acids that form proteins?
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Which of the following statements about protein structure is correct?
Which of the following statements about protein structure is correct?
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What is the primary function of lipids?
What is the primary function of lipids?
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Which of the following statements about lipids is incorrect?
Which of the following statements about lipids is incorrect?
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What is the primary function of nucleic acids?
What is the primary function of nucleic acids?
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Which of the following statements about the structure of nucleic acids is correct?
Which of the following statements about the structure of nucleic acids is correct?
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What is the primary difference between DNA and RNA?
What is the primary difference between DNA and RNA?
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Study Notes
The Four Macromolecules
In biochemistry, there are four fundamental classes of macromolecules that play crucial roles in various biological processes. These classes are carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Each of these macromolecules is composed of smaller molecules called monomers, which are linked together by covalent bonds to form larger polymers. Let's delve deeper into each of these categories, discussing their compositions, functions, and examples.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates, also known as saccharides, are built primarily from monosaccharides or simple sugars, such as glucose, fructose, galactose, and others. Their basic formula contains equal amounts of carbon and water, represented as C:H:O = 1:2:1. Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy for the body and contribute to the structure of plant cell walls through complex polymers like cellulose and starch. The monomers of carbohydrates join together via dehydration synthesis to form longer chains known as polysaccharides.
Proteins
Proteins are made up of amino acids, which are characterized by two functional groups: an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxylic acid group (-COOH). Additionally, each amino acid has a sidechain, commonly referred to as the R-group, which varies among the twenty natural amino acids. The primary structure of proteins is established by the order of the amino acids, while secondary and tertiary structures result from folding and coiling patterns within the amino acid chain. Quaternary structure refers to the assembly of multiple protein chains into a complex structure. Proteins perform a wide range of functions, including structural support, catalysis, regulation, and transport.
Lipids
Lipids are a heterogeneous class of macromolecules that share a common property of being less polar than other biological molecules. They are typically composed of fatty acids and glycerol, forming lipids like triacylglycerols (triglycerides) and phospholipids. Some lipids, such as steroids, do not follow this pattern. Lipids serve various purposes in both plants and animals, including energy storage, protection, and signaling. They are generally nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature, making them poor soluble in water but easily dissolved in organic solvents.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids, namely DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid), consist of nucleotides, which are made up of a five-carbon sugar, a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group. DNA carries the genetic instructions of an organism, while RNA plays a role in translating those instructions into proteins. Both DNA and RNA have complementary sequences, with the sugar-phosphate backbone on the outside and the nitrogenous bases forming hydrogen bonds on the inside. This base pairing allows for the transfer of genetic information during reproduction and the expression of traits throughout development.
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Description
Explore the fundamental classes of macromolecules - carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids - in biochemistry. Learn about their compositions, functions, and examples, including how monomers form larger polymers through covalent bonds.
