The structure shown is an example of a type of macromolecule (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or nucleic acid) that is an important biological polymer. Identify the type of macromolecule shown, the type of monomer it is made from, how you came to your conclusion and the general types of important biological functions of this type of macromolecule in the cell. OCH₂ OH NH₂ OH

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The structure shown is an example of a type of macromolecule (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or nucleic acid) that is an important biological polymer. Identify the type of macromolecule shown, the type of monomer it is made from, how you came to your conclusion and the general types of important biological functions of this type of macromolecule in the cell.

**Diagram Explanation:**

The structure is a nucleotide, the basic building block of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. This nucleotide consists of:

1. **Phosphate Group**: The left side of the structure shows a phosphate group, which is characterized by a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. One of these oxygen atoms carries a negative charge.

2. **Pentose Sugar**: Central to the structure is a five-carbon sugar molecule. In this diagram, the sugar is ribose (indicative of RNA), as the sugar's ring includes an -OH group on the 2' carbon.

3. **Nitrogenous Base**: Attached to the sugar is a nitrogenous base. This particular structure is adenine, one of the purine bases.

In conclusion, this macromolecule is a nucleotide, the monomer of nucleic acids. Nucleotides perform critical roles in the cell, including storing and transmitting genetic information and participating in cellular energy transfer processes.
Transcribed Image Text:The structure shown is an example of a type of macromolecule (carbohydrate, lipid, protein, or nucleic acid) that is an important biological polymer. Identify the type of macromolecule shown, the type of monomer it is made from, how you came to your conclusion and the general types of important biological functions of this type of macromolecule in the cell. **Diagram Explanation:** The structure is a nucleotide, the basic building block of nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. This nucleotide consists of: 1. **Phosphate Group**: The left side of the structure shows a phosphate group, which is characterized by a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. One of these oxygen atoms carries a negative charge. 2. **Pentose Sugar**: Central to the structure is a five-carbon sugar molecule. In this diagram, the sugar is ribose (indicative of RNA), as the sugar's ring includes an -OH group on the 2' carbon. 3. **Nitrogenous Base**: Attached to the sugar is a nitrogenous base. This particular structure is adenine, one of the purine bases. In conclusion, this macromolecule is a nucleotide, the monomer of nucleic acids. Nucleotides perform critical roles in the cell, including storing and transmitting genetic information and participating in cellular energy transfer processes.
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