Which Two Macromolecules Contain Nitrogen

Learning Outcomes

Define the term "macromolecule"
Distinguish between the four 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 upwardly 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.

You are What You Eat

Comparing the Biological Macromolecules

Macromolecule	Basic Formula, cardinal features	Monomer	Examples	Uses
Proteins	CHON −NH₂ + −COOH +R group	Amino acids	Enzymes, some hormones	Storage; Signals; Structural; Contractile; Defensive; Enzyme; Transport; Receptors
Lipids	C:H:O Greater than 2:i H:O (carboxyl group)	Fatty acrid and glycerol	Butter, oil, cholesterol, beeswax	Energy storage; Protection; Chemical messengers; Repel water
Carbohydrates	C:H:O i:2:i	Monosaccharides	Glucose, Fructose, Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose	Energy storage; Structure
Nucleic Acids	CHONP pentose, nitrogenous base, phosphate	Nucleotides	Dna, RNA	Genetic data

Aridity Synthesis

Almost macromolecules are made from single subunits, or edifice blocks, calledmonomers. The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to class larger molecules known aspolymers. In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts. This blazon of reaction is known every bitdehydration synthesis, which means "to put together while losing water."

Shown is the reaction of two glucose monomers to form maltose. When maltose is formed, a water molecules is released.

Figure 1. In the dehydration synthesis reaction depicted to a higher place, two molecules of glucose are linked together to form the disaccharide maltose. In the process, a water molecule is formed.

In a dehydration synthesis reaction (Figure one), the hydrogen of i monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a molecule of water. At the same time, the monomers share electrons and course covalent bonds. Every bit additional monomers join, this concatenation of repeating monomers forms a polymer. Different types of monomers can combine in many configurations, giving ascent to a diverse group of macromolecules. Even one kind of monomer can combine in a variety of ways to class several different polymers: for example, glucose monomers are the constituents of starch, glycogen, and cellulose.

Hydrolysis

Polymers are cleaved downwardly into monomers in a process known every bit hydrolysis, which means "to carve up water," a reaction in which a water molecule is used during the breakup (Effigy 2). During these reactions, the polymer is cleaved into ii components: 1 part gains a hydrogen atom (H+) and the other gains a hydroxyl molecule (OH–) from a split water molecule.

Shown is the breakdown of maltose to form two glucose monomers. Water is a reactant.

Figure 2. In the hydrolysis reaction shown hither, the disaccharide maltose is broken down to form two glucose monomers with the addition of a h2o molecule. Notation that this reaction is the reverse of the synthesis reaction shown in Figure 1.

Dehydration andhydrolysis reactions are catalyzed, or "sped upward," by specific enzymes; dehydration reactions involve the germination of new bonds, requiring energy, while hydrolysis reactions break bonds and release free energy. These reactions are like for most macromolecules, only each monomer and polymer reaction is specific for its class. For example, in our bodies, food is hydrolyzed, or broken down, into smaller molecules past catalytic enzymes in the digestive system. This allows for easy absorption of nutrients by cells in the intestine. Each macromolecule is broken down past a specific enzyme. For case, carbohydrates are broken downwards past amylase, sucrase, lactase, or maltase. Proteins are broken downward by the enzymes pepsin and peptidase, and by hydrochloric acid. Lipids are cleaved down past lipases. Breakup of these macromolecules provides free energy for cellular activities.

In Summary: Different Types of Biological Macromolecules

Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromolecules—large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. Macromolecules are made up of single units known equally monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form larger polymers. The polymer is more than than the sum of its parts: it acquires new characteristics, and leads to an osmotic force per unit area that is much lower than that formed by its ingredients; this is an important advantage in the maintenance of cellular osmotic conditions. A monomer joins with some other monomer with the release of a water molecule, leading to the formation of a covalent bail. These types of reactions are known as dehydration or condensation reactions. When polymers are broken down into smaller units (monomers), a molecule of water is used for each bond broken past these reactions; such reactions are known equally hydrolysis reactions. Dehydration and hydrolysis reactions are similar for all macromolecules, only each monomer and polymer reaction is specific to its grade. Dehydration reactions typically require an investment of energy for new bail formation, while hydrolysis reactions typically release free energy by breaking bonds.