Chapter 10, Problem 1P

Summary Introduction

To determine: The definition of lipid is different from the other definitions used for other biomolecules, such as amino acids, nucleic acid, and proteins.

Introduction:

Lipids are the non-polar, hydrocarbon biomolecules which are characterized by its insolubility in water. Proteins are the chain of polypeptide. Nucleic acid is the biomolecule that contain the genetic information in the form of genes. Amino acids are the building blocks of a protein.

Explanation of Solution

Explanation:

The differences in the definition of lipid, amino acid, nucleic acid, and protein are as follows:

Lipid:

Lipids are the naturally occurring biomolecules which are non-polar in nature that means they can only dissolve in non-polar solvents. Lipids include, waxes, fats, fat-soluble vitamins (vitamin A, D, E, and K), sterols, and phospholipids.

Amino acids:

An amino acid is a biomolecules that contains an amino ( ${\text{-NH}}_{\text{2}}$) group and a carboxyl group. They are the monomers of a protein molecule.

Nucleic acid:

Nucleic acids are the biolmolecules that contain the genetic information and are composed of monomers called nucleotides. Nucleotides made of three components, a nitrogenous base, a phosphate, and a carbon sugar ( ribose or deoxyrubose).

Proteins:

Proteins are the biomolecules composed of long chains of polypeptides. Peptides are the short chain of amino acid residue (usually 2 or 3 amino residues) which are joined together by peptide bond.

Conclusion

Conclusion:

Hence, lipids are the non-polar biomolecules which are the monomers of fatty acids and glycerols. Amino acids are the monomer of the protein molecule. Nucleic acids are the monomers of the nucleotides while proteins are the monomers of the amino acids.