LEARNING JOURNAL UNIT 2

For each category of macromolecule, carbohydrate, lipid, protein and nucleic acid, select a
representative polymer and explain its function within the cell. Suggest which aspects of your chosen
molecule are characteristic of the class of macromolecules to which it belongs by identifying its
monomer subunits and describing their basic chemical structure and the manner in which the
monomers are linked together.

Carbohydrate - Lactose is a disaccharide, meaning it's made up of two smaller sugar units, called glucose
and galactose, which is are joined by a glycosidic bond. Both serve as sources of energy for cells and
provide the cell with Adenosine triphosphate (ATP). The formula is C12O22H11.

Lipid - Unsaturated fats, such as oils are lipids. They consist of a hydrocarbon chain with a double bond.
They help to lower blood cholesterol. Oleic acid C18H34O2 is an example.

Protein - Amino acids are the monomers that make up proteins. There are 20 amino acids, each with an
amino group and a carboxyl-acid group, but with a different “r” group, they are joined by peptide bonds.
One example necessary for humans is cysteine- C3H7NO2S -because it plays a major role in protein
rigidity therefore aids in collagen production, giving the skin its well-deserved elasticity.

Nucleic Acid - An important nucleic acid is deoxyribonucleic acid. It is important to the cell as it carries
the genetic information for protein reproduction. Nucleic acids are made of monomers called
nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of three components: a nitrogenous base, a pentose sugar,
and a phosphate group. Each nitrogenous base in a nucleotide is attached to a sugar molecule, which is
attached to one or more phosphate groups. The pentose sugar in DNA is deoxyribose. DNA has a double
helix structure.

Reference:

Kirstin Hendrickson. LiveStrong.Com, What Are the Functions of Lactose? Retrieved from
https://www.livestrong.com/article/367146-what-are-the-functions-of-lactose/

OpenStax College, Biology. OpenStax College (30May2013). Retrieved from

http://cnx.org/content/col11448/latest/>

Simple English Wikipedia. Adenosine triphosphate. Retrieved from

https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Adenosine_triphosphate
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1. protein that acts as a catalyst in biochemical reactions 2. single unit of a polymer
6. component of fat molecule 3. structure of polypeptide chain that contains beta sheets
8. acidic group in amino acids 4. provides structural support in plant cells
9. monosaccharide commonly found in fruit 5. type of bond between monosaccharides in a chain
11. fatty acid with hydrogens in different planes 7. used for long term energy storage
12. monomer subunit of protein 10. biological macromolecule with a ratio of 1 C:2 H:1 O
14. major constituent of plasma membrane 13. sugar backbone of DNA
17. fatty acid containing no double bonds 15. type of reaction used to form polymers
18. nucleic acid found only in RNA 16. adenine and guanine are this type of nucleotide
19. bond formed between two amino acids
20. number of amino acids