Monomer-Amino Acids
The monomer of proteins is made up of amino acids. Amino acids are organic compounds that contain atoms of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen (C.H.O.N). There are 20 different monomer amino acids, each with a unique structure and function. Some examples of monomer amino acids include alanine, arginine, and glutamine. They are linked together to form polymers called polypeptides.
The structure of monomer amino acids consists of a central carbon atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, an amino group (NH₂), a carboxyl group (COOH), and a variable R group. The R group determines the specific properties and function of each amino acid.
The functions of monomer amino acids are diverse, including causing chemical reactions, providing structure to cells and tissues, allowing movement, facilitating chemical messaging in the body, aiding the immune system, providing energy, and transporting substances within the body.
Foods rich in monomer amino acids include meat, cheese, legumes, and dairy products.
Polymer - Polypeptides
Polypeptides are polymers that are formed by linking together monomer amino acids. They have a hierarchical structure consisting of four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The sequence and arrangement of monomer amino acids in a polypeptide determine its structure and function.
Monomer of Nucleic Acid
The monomer of nucleic acids is nucleotides. Each nucleotide is composed of three components: a phosphate group, a five-carbon sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), and a nitrogenous base (adenine, guanine, cytosine, thymine, or uracil in the case of RNA). The nitrogenous bases can be classified as purines (adenine, guanine) or pyrimidines (cytosine, thymine, uracil). The complementary pairing of purines and pyrimidines follows specific base pairing rules.
Polymer - DNA, RNA
Nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA are polymers formed by linking nucleotides together. They store genetic information and are essential for the transmission of genetic traits from one generation to the next.
Lipids are another type of biomolecule with diverse functions in the body.
Monomer - Glycerol and Fatty Acids
The monomer of lipids can be glycerol and fatty acids. These organic compounds contain atoms of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen, along with various other elements. Lipids do not typically form polymers but play crucial roles in the body.
Functions and Examples
Lipids serve various functions such as creating barriers (phospholipids), transmitting chemical messages (hormones), facilitating cell-to-cell communication (cholesterol), and storing energy in the form of saturated and unsaturated fats. Foods rich in lipids include olive oil, butter, salmon, and various types of junk food.
Monomer - Monosaccharides
The monomer of carbohydrates is monosaccharides. Carbohydrates contain atoms of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen. Monosaccharides are simple sugars such as glucose and fructose.
Polymer - Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides are polymers formed by linking monosaccharides together. They serve as a source of energy, with glucose being a primary example, and provide structural support in the form of cellulose found in plant cell walls.
Carbohydrates are abundant in fruits, vegetables, and grains, and play essential roles in providing energy and structure to living organisms.
