Chapter 6, Problem 39A

Summary Introduction

To fill:

The correct term in the given blank.

Introduction:

Carbon atoms join to form carbon molecules. Similarly, most cells have small carbon compounds that act as the building blocks for large molecules. Smaller organic molecules join together to form macromolecules or polymers. Polymers are formed by repeating units of nearly identical or identical compounds known as monomers joined by a series of covalent bonds. The biological macromolecules are divided into four major classes - carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.

Answer to Problem 39A

Proteins are made from amino acids that are joined by peptide bonds.

Explanation of Solution

Proteins are the building blocks of life. They are made of small carbon compounds called amino acids. Amino acids are made up of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen and sometimes sulfur. All amino acids have the same general structure. Proteins are made up of a combination of about 20 amino acids. The amino acids are joined together by several covalent bonds called peptide bonds to form proteins. A peptide bond is formed by the amino group (-NH₂) of an amino acid and the carboxyl group (-COOH) of another.