What are the 4 macromolecules and their functions?
What are the 4 macromolecules and their functions?
The four main macromolecules are proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids and lipids. They are an important part of the cell and perform essential functions. Proteins are required for growth and maintenance, immunity and also act as enzymes, hormones, etc. Carbohydrates are the main energy source.
What are the functions of monomers and polymers?
Monomers are small molecules which may be joined together in a repeating fashion to form more complex molecules called polymers. Monomers form polymers by forming chemical bonds or binding supramolecularly through a process called polymerization.
What are the functions and monomer of each macromolecule?
Types of biological macromolecules
| Biological macromolecule | Building blocks | Functions |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | Amino acids | Provide cell structure, send chemical signals, speed up chemical reactions, etc |
| Nucleic acids | Nucleotides | Store and pass on genetic information |
What are the monomers and polymers of all 4 macromolecules?
Comparing the Biological Macromolecules
| Macromolecule | Basic Formula, key features | Monomer |
|---|---|---|
| Proteins | CHON −NH2 + −COOH +R group | Amino acids |
| Lipids | C:H:O Greater than 2:1 H:O (carboxyl group) | Fatty acid and glycerol |
| Carbohydrates | C:H:O 1:2:1 | Monosaccharides |
| Nucleic Acids | CHONP pentose, nitrogenous base, phosphate | Nucleotides |
What are the functions of carbohydrates lipids proteins and nucleic acids?
They also are needed to maintain the structure of cells and are critical for the function and regulation of all of the body’s tissues. The body uses the information stored in DNA to create proteins, which are made up of subunits called amino acids.
What is the function for lipids?
Within the body, lipids function as an energy reserve, regulate hormones, transmit nerve impulses, cushion vital organs, and transport fat-soluble nutrients.
What is the function of polymers?
Organic polymers play a crucial role in living things, providing basic structural materials and participating in vital life processes. For example, the solid parts of all plants are made up of polymers. These include cellulose, lignin, and various resins.
What is the main function of a carbohydrate and what is its monomer?
Carbohydrates are organic compounds used to store energy. A monosaccharide, the monomer of carbohydrates, is a simple sugar, such as fructose or glucose. Complex carbohydrates have two main functions: storing energy and forming structures of living things.
What are the polymers of the 4 macromolecules?
As we’ve learned, there are four major classes of biological macromolecules:
- Proteins (polymers of amino acids)
- Carbohydrates (polymers of sugars)
- Lipids (polymers of lipid monomers)
- Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA; polymers of nucleotides)
What are monomers and what role do they play in biomolecules?
Monomers are atoms or small molecules that bond together to form more complex structures such as polymers. There are four main types of monomer, including sugars, amino acids, fatty acids, and nucleotides.
What is the function of proteins and nucleic acids?
Nucleic acid is important in storing, transmitting, and making useful the information necessary for the processes of life. Protein is composed of amino acids that are important for life functions. Lipids are composed of fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes.
