In principle, there are many different, chemically diverse ways in which small molecules can be linked to form polymers. For example, the small molecule ethene (CH2=CH2) is used commercially to make the plastic polyethylene (...–CH2–CH2– CH2–CH2–CH2–...). The individual subunits of the three major classes of biological macromolecules, however, are all linked by similar reaction mechanisms, i.e., by condensation reactions that eliminate water. Can you think of any benefits that this chemistry offers and why it might have been selected in evolution?
Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
In principle, there are many different, chemically diverse ways in which small molecules can be linked to form
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