Macromolecules

DNA and the proteins associated with it are collectively referred to as chromatin. The DNA wraps around histone proteins to form nucleosomes, which further condense into chromatin fibers. These chromatin structures help regulate access to the DNA during processes such as gene expression and replication.

No, carbon dioxide is not an organic macromolecule. It is a simple inorganic molecule composed of one carbon atom and two oxygen atoms. Organic macromolecules are large molecules made of carbon atoms bonded together in complex structures, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.

A lipid is a diverse group of organic molecules that are insoluble in water. One key component of lipids is fatty acids, which are long hydrocarbon chains with a carboxyl group at one end. Lipids play essential roles in energy storage, insulation, and cell membrane structure.

You inherit your DNA from both of your biological parents. Half of your DNA comes from your mother, and the other half comes from your father. This genetic material combines to determine your unique characteristics and traits.

The smallest unit is the carbon atom, followed by the monomer, which is a single repeating unit of a polymer. The macromolecule is the largest structure, made up of multiple monomers linked together to form a polymer chain.

PCR

The main organelles involved in the manufacture of macromolecules are the ribosomes and the endoplasmic reticulum. Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis, while the endoplasmic reticulum (both rough and smooth) assists in the synthesis and folding of proteins and lipids.

1. Lipids - including phospholipids, cholesterol, and glycolipids, which form the basic structural foundation of the cell membrane.
2. Proteins - serve various functions such as transport, cell signaling, and cell recognition.
3. Carbohydrates - usually found attached to proteins (glycoproteins) or lipids (glycolipids) on the outer surface of the membrane, playing a role in cell recognition and communication.

Fats are made up of molecules called lipids, which include triglycerides and cholesterol. Lipids are a type of macromolecule that are insoluble in water and serve as a major source of energy storage in the body.

The basic subunit for carbohydrates is a monosaccharide, which is a single sugar molecule. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose, fructose, and galactose. These monosaccharides can combine to form larger carbohydrates such as disaccharides (two sugar molecules) and polysaccharides (multiple sugar molecules).

A cofactor refers to a macromolecule that attaches to an enzyme to assist in catalysis. This can be a metal ion or a coenzyme.

Noncoding DNA, also known as junk DNA, does not code for proteins but can contain unique variations that are specific to individuals. By analyzing these variations in noncoding DNA regions, forensic scientists can create a DNA profile for identification purposes, as these variations are highly specific to each person. This can be particularly useful in cases where coding DNA is not available or is not as informative for identification.

Amino acids join together with peptide bonds to create long chains called polypeptides. These polypeptides are then assembled into a protein. Amino acids make proteins.

Lipids, such as fats and oils, are macromolecules that store energy efficiently in living organisms. They contain long hydrocarbon chains that can be broken down through metabolic processes to release energy for cellular activities.

Lipids are broken down by the enzyme Lipase.

The method by which large particles and macromolecules enter the cell by an infolding of the plasma membrane is called endocytosis. This process involves the formation of vesicles that engulf the molecules and bring them into the cell. Endocytosis includes phagocytosis for solid particles and pinocytosis for liquid molecules.

All four macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids) have carbon atoms as a common element. Carbon atoms are the backbone of organic molecules because of their ability to form versatile and stable bonds with a variety of other elements.

• Carbohydrates = monosaccharides
• Proteins = amino acids
• Lipids = triglyceride
• Nucleic Acids = nucleotides

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) contains your genetic information. It is a type of organic macromolecule known as a nucleic acid, made up of nucleotides containing a sugar phosphate backbone and nitrogenous bases.

You can create a table with columns for each macromolecule (carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, proteins) and rows for components and functions. Under each macromolecule, list components (e.g. monomers, building blocks) and functions (e.g. energy storage, cell structure, information storage). This will visually organize and compare the key components and functions of each macromolecule.

No proteins contain uracils as nucleotides are not part of the proteins. Uracils present in RNA(but not DNA). Uracil can pair with Adenine with a double hydrogen bond.

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)

Condensation reactions result in the formation of all macromolecules. In condensation reactions, two molecules combine to form a larger molecule, with the elimination of a smaller molecule such as water. This process is commonly observed in the polymerization of macromolecules like proteins, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

Nucleic acids are a family of macromolecules that require two different types of building blocks: nucleotides, which consist of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. The two types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.