Final answer:
Nucleotides are the monomers of nucleic acids with a sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen base, while amino acids are the monomers of proteins with a central carbon, amino group, carboxyl group, and unique side chain. Proteins function as enzymes and structural components, whereas nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information. The structure of these macromolecules is key to their function in the cell.
Step-by-step explanation:
Distinguishing Between Nucleotides and Amino Acids
Nucleotides are the monomers that make up nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA. Each nucleotide consists of three components: a sugar molecule (deoxyribose in DNA and ribose in RNA), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Nucleotides bond together to form a polynucleotide chain with the sugar and phosphate forming the backbone and the nitrogen bases extending from it.
Amino acids, on the other hand, are the building blocks of proteins. They consist of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain or R group. There are 20 different standard amino acids, each with different properties due to the unique R groups. Amino acids link together by peptide bonds to form a polypeptide, which folds into a functional protein.
Distinguishing Between Proteins and Nucleic Acids
Proteins are polymers made of amino acids and have various functions including acting as enzymes, hormones, and structural components. Proteins have complex structures, often organized into four levels: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary. The shape of a protein is crucial to its function, and changes in structure can lead to a loss of function.
Nucleic acids include DNA and RNA, which store and transmit genetic information. DNA is the hereditary material in humans and most other organisms, while RNA plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and regulation.
Functions of Macromolecules in Cells
The four main groups of macromolecules in cells are proteins, nucleic acids, polysaccharides, and lipids. Proteins carry out an array of functions such as catalysis of biochemical reactions as enzymes and structural support. Nucleic acids, namely DNA and RNA, store genetic information and are involved in the synthesis of proteins. Polysaccharides serve as energy stores (e.g., glycogen in animals and starch in plants) and structural elements (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls). Lipids are involved in forming cell membranes, energy storage, and signaling.
Structure of Macromolecules
Each type of macromolecule has a unique structure that allows it to carry out its distinct function. Protein structure is determined by the sequence of amino acids and the complex folding patterns it undergoes. Nucleic acids are made up of long strands of nucleotides with A pairing with T (or U in RNA) and C pairing with G to create a double-stranded helix in DNA or single-stranded forms in RNA.