Macromolecules

Foods contain proteins, carbohydrates and lipids which are three different types of macromolecules.

However, there are far more than three types of macromolecules, some of which are also found in food.

There are two that begin to be digested in the mouth. Sugars by amylase and fats by lingual lipase.

There are four bases in a DNA "ladder"... It is called a ladder because of the "two sides" and the bases... In DNA replication, they obviously replicate and the two sides are replicated as are the bases. (A,T,C,G)

Fatty acids are composed of a hydrophilic carboxylic acid head and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail, while basic units in other macromolecules (such as amino acids in proteins, nucleotides in DNA/RNA, and monosaccharides in carbohydrates) have different functional groups and structures specific to their roles in each macromolecule. The differences in functional groups and structure give these basic units unique properties and functions within their respective macromolecules.

No, insulating organs of the body is not a function of protein macromolecules. Insulation of organs is typically provided by layers of fat tissue in the body. Proteins have diverse functions in the body such as enzymes, transporters, and structural components.

1. Phospholipids

Phospholipids are major components of the cell membrane. They are similar to fats, but have only two fatty acids rather than three. The third hydroxyl group of glycerol is joined to a phosphate group, which is negative in electrical charge. Additional small molecules, usually charged or polar, can be linked to the phosphate group to form a variety of phospholipids. Phospholipids are described as being amphipathic, having both a hydrophobic and a hydrophilic region. Their tails, which consist of hydrocarbons, are hydrophobic and are excluded from water. Their heads, however, which consist of the phosphate group and its attachments, are hydrophilic, and have an affinity for water.

Because of their structure, when phospholipids are added to water, they self-assemble into aggregates so that the phosphate heads make contact with the water and the hydrophobic hydrocarbon tails are restricted to water-free areas. In the animation below you will see the formation of two such structures: micelle and the phospholipid bilayer.

2. Proteins

Proteins are the most structurally sophisticated molecules known, and account for more than 50% of the dry weight of most cells. Although they are diverse, humans have tens of thousands of different proteins, each with a specific structure and function. they are all polymers constructed from the same set of 20 amino acids. Membrane proteins are classified into two major categories;

a)Integral proteins

b) Peripheral proteins

Integral proteins are generally transmembrane proteins, with hydrophobic regions that completely span the hydrophobic interior of the membrane. The hydrophilic ends of the molecule are exposed to the aqueous solutions on either side of the membrane. Proteins are much larger than lipids and move more slowly, but some do drift. Some membrane proteins seem to move in a highly directed manner, however, many others seem to be held virtually immobile by their attachment to the cytoskeleton.Peripheral proteins are not embedded in the lipid bilayer at all; they are loosely bound to the surface of the membrane, often to the exposed parts of integral proteins.

3. Carbohydrates

Membrane carbohydrates are usually branched oligosaccharides with fewer than 15 sugar units. Some of these oligosaccharides are covalently bonded to lipids, forming molecules called glycolipids. Most are covalently bonded to proteins, which are thereby glycoproteins. The oligosaccharides on the external side of the plasma membrane vary from species to species, among individuals of the same species, and even from one cell type to another in a single individual. The diversity of the molecules and their location on the cell's surface enable oligosaccharides to function as markers that distinguish one cell from another

triglycerides

After macromolecules are broken down in the digestive process, their constituent molecules are absorbed into the bloodstream and used by the body for various functions. Carbohydrates are broken down into glucose for energy, proteins are broken down into amino acids for building and repairing tissues, and lipids are broken down into fatty acids for energy storage and cell membrane synthesis.

ATP, or adenosine triphosphate, belongs to the major class of macromolecules known as nucleic acids. It is a nucleotide composed of adenine (a nitrogenous base), ribose (a sugar), and three phosphate groups.

A polypeptide chain is a type of macromolecule known as a protein. Proteins are made up of one or more long chains of amino acids, which are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptides. These polypeptides then fold into specific 3D shapes to carry out various biological functions.

The three organic macromolecules often utilized to make ATP by cellular respiration are carbohydrates (like glucose), fats (fatty acids), and proteins (amino acids). These macromolecules are broken down through various metabolic pathways to produce ATP, the energy currency of the cell.

Transporting other molecules in the body.

Carbohydrates, for example polysaccharides, like cellulose in cell walls Proteins, made from aminoacids, constituents of hormones and enzymes Polynucleotides, constituents of DNA and RNA which are nucleic acids Lipids, composed of fatty acids and glycerol

Many enzymes consist of a protein and a non-protein (called the cofactor). The proteins in enzymes are usually globular. They have tertiary structure and this type of globular protein includes immunoglobins, as well. The structures are held in place by hydrogen bonds, disulfide bridges and ionic bonds.

No, DNA polymerase cannot unwind DNA. DNA polymerase is responsible for synthesizing new DNA strands by adding nucleotides to a template DNA strand. The unwinding of DNA is typically performed by DNA helicase enzymes.

Covalent bonds hold biological macromolecules together. These bonds are formed by the sharing of electrons between atoms, providing stability to the molecules.

Saliva contains water, electrolytes, mucus, enzymes (such as amylase for breaking down carbohydrates), and antibacterial compounds. These macromolecules help with digestion, lubrication, and protection within the oral cavity.

The fertility factor is comprised of DNA, which is a type of cellular macromolecule. It contains the genes that are responsible for conferring fertility, including the ability to transfer genetic material during conjugation in bacteria.

Lugol's reagent detects the presence of starch, which is a polysaccharide macromolecule made up of glucose units. The reagent turns blue-black in the presence of starch.

Hydrolysis is the general type of reaction used to break macromolecules down. In hydrolysis, a water molecule is used to break chemical bonds within the macromolecule, helping to break it into smaller components.

A lipid profile typically includes measurements of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. A lipid panel may refer to the same tests or can include additional measurements like VLDL cholesterol or lipid particle size. Essentially, a lipid profile is a subset of what might be included in a more comprehensive lipid panel.

Sections that are unique to each person. - APEX