Question

5. What do you think will be the difference in function between the two polymers? (How might they work differently?)

Answer 1

Answer:

there are four major classes of biological macromolecules:

Proteins (polymers of amino acids)

Carbohydrates (polymers of sugars)

Lipids (polymers of lipid monomers)

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA; polymers of nucleotides)

Let’s take a closer look at the differences between the difference classes.

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Define the term “macromolecule”

Distinguish between the 4 classes of macromolecules

Now that we’ve discussed the four major classes of biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), let’s talk about macromolecules as a whole. Each is an important cell component and performs a wide array of functions. Combined, these molecules make up the majority of a cell’s dry mass (recall that water makes up the majority of its complete mass). Biological macromolecules are organic, meaning they contain carbon. In addition, they may contain hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and additional minor elements.