Chapter 6, Problem 47A

Summary Introduction

To write:

The components and functions of the four main biological macromolecules in a table.

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.

Explanation of Solution

Macromolecule	Components	Functions
Carbohydrates	Carbohydrates are compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are grouped into monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides	Glucose is a monosaccharide that plays a central role in providing energy. In plants, a carbohydrate called cellulose provides structural support.
Proteins	Proteins are the building blocks of life. They are formed by amino acids. Amino acids are composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.	About 15% of our total body mass consists of proteins and they are involved in nearly all body functions. The human cells contain about 10,000 different proteins that provide structural support, facilitate transportation of substances in the cells, and speed up chemical reactions and control cell growth.
Lipids	Lipids are composed of fatty acids, glycerol and other components.	The main function of lipids is to store energy. Plants have a waxy coating on their leaves which prevent the loss of water. Organisms require lipids for proper functioning.
Nucleic acids	Nucleic acids are made of repeating smaller subunits known as nucleotides. Nucleotides consist of carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus and hydrogen atoms.	Nucleic acids are complex macromolecules that are involved in storage and transmission of genetic information. Living organisms have two types of nucleic acids- Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and Ribonucleic acid (RNA).

Conclusion

The biological macromolecules are divided into four major classes - carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acids.