Answer:
- Numerous amino acids allow for proteins to perform many diverse functions in organisms.
- The branching structure of some carbohydrates maximize the amount of glucose available for quick energy.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. In humans, all forms of proteins are made up of 20 different types of amino acids. The sequence of amino acids is the key to the production of specific proteins. If the sequence is changed, the target protein will be changed. So, only 20 types of amino acids can produce millions of proteins through different combinations. For example, for a protein with 4 amino acids sequence, 160,000 types of polypeptide chains can be formed (20 X 20 X 20 X 20). Since we know that proteins are key players in cell functioning, their multiple combinations lead to diverse functions in the organisms.
Carbohydrates are an excellent source of energy. Although branching decreases the water solubility of carbohydrates, it compacts the energy-yielding monomers in a small space so that they can be stored and, during starvation, they can produce an extensive amount of energy for long term survival. Carbohydrates in animal and plant bodies are stored as branched structures of glycogen and starch, respectively.