Macromolecules
By: Calin London Class: Biology Hour: 4
What in the WORLD are Macromolecules and why are they important to learn!?!?!?
A Macromolecule is a large molecule. Macromolecules are composed of thousands of atoms. There are three classes of macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.) They form chain-like molecules called polymers. A Polymer is a basically a long molecule that have many of the similar building blocks connected to covalent bonds.
Protein
Protein is the most important part of EVERY cell. Hair and nails are mainly made from protein. Proteins also build and repair tissue. Protein is a main part of the building block of your bones, muscle, cartilage, skin and even your blood. Unfortunately your body doesn't store protein and as an affect there is no reserved protein to be used to help build and repair tissue.
Carbohydrate
Carbohydrates are BOTH good and bad for you. Good carbs have a LOT of fiber. Good carbs prevent blood - spikes. Most carbs are good for you just try to stay away from refined processed carbs. Studies show that if your on a low carb diet increase the risk of having heart disease. They also help prevent colon cancer and help weight control. Everyone needs 28 grams of fiber EVERY day to survive.
Lipid
Lipids are molecules that are removed from plants or animals. Lipids that have function groups are good at chemical breakdown in water. Neutral fats, pholipids, glycolipids, and waxes have functional groups. Now lets talk about bad lipids. Bad lipids are lacking in functional groups. Bad lipids are steroids and fat-solible vitamins.
Nucleic Acid Picture
What in the WORLD is a nucleic acid and why is it so important to learn about?!?!?!
Nucleic acid is a complex organic substance that has living cells, including DNA or RNA. DNA and RNA molecules have many nucleotides connected to a long chain. A nucleic acid stores and transmits genetic information that you've inherited from your parents. If you have children your genetic information will be recombined and combined with your parents genetic information. What else does nucleic acid do?!?!?! The acid also contain genes that are responsible for producing every protein in your body!!! WHOAH!!! There are two types of nucleic acid, DNA and RNA. DNA stands for Deoxyribo Nucleic Acid and RNA stands for Ribo Nucleic Acid.