Question

What Macromolecules does the skeletal system require to function properly?

Answer 1

The skeletal system requires a variety of macromolecules to function properly, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids, which support its structure, growth, repair, and energy needs. Vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin C and vitamin D, are also vital for bone health and maintenance.

Step-by-step explanation:

The skeletal system, which includes bones, ligaments, and cartilage, requires various macromolecules to function effectively. These macromolecules include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Each class of these biological macromolecules contributes to the structure and function of the skeletal system in different ways.

For instance, proteins provide the structural framework for bones and ligaments, as well as facilitate the repair and growth of skeletal tissues. The most famous protein in bones is collagen, which provides a matrix for bone mineralization. Carbohydrates are necessary as they supply the energy required for bone growth and repair. Likewise, lipids are important for the health of bone cells and play a role in inflammatory response, which is critical for healing. Lastly, nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA are essential for cell replication and protein synthesis in skeletal tissues.

Vital nutrients such as calcium and vitamins, particularly vitamin D and vitamin C, are also important for the skeletal system's function and maintenance. Vitamin D is crucial for calcium absorption which is necessary for bone strength, while vitamin C is essential for the synthesis of collagen.

Answer 2

The major components of bone tissue at the molecular scale are minerals, water, collagen, and other proteins. At the next level of organization, small crystals of hydroxyapatite made of calcium and phosphate are embedded within collagen fibers to produce a composite (blended) material with high compressive and tensile strength.

The skeletal system protects and supports vital organs, allows our body to move, stores important minerals, and produces blood cells. There are several chemical elements and molecules required to maintain the many functions of the skeletal system. The chemical properties of these components support bone structure and function. On a chemical level, bone is divided into inorganic and organic (carbon-containing) components.

The primary inorganic components of bone are:

calcium, which is required for many functions throughout the body;

phosphorus (in the form of phosphate ions), which is a component of buffer systems and energy-rich molecules; and

water, which contributes to the compressive resistance of bone and contributes to the fluid matrix of bone.

The primary organic components of bone are:

collagen, the major structural protein (type I in bone and type II in cartilage); and

proteoglycans, which are negatively charged glycosylated proteins (glycosylated means having carbohydrate sugar groups modifying the protein).

Bone is approximately 60 to 70 percent inorganic mineral and 10 percent water by weight. The remaining 20 to 30 percent of bone is organic matrix (osteoid), such as collagen and proteoglycans. Your body contains 1 to 2 kilograms of calcium and nearly 600 grams of phosphorous. Nearly 99 percent of the calcium and 86 percent of the phosphorous is stored in your bones.

Inorganic Components of Bone

Calcium ions (Ca2+) are stored in bone tissue, but can be released into the bloodstream when blood levels fall below optimal. Blood calcium is important for muscle contractions, nerve impulses, and blood clotting.

In bone, phosphorous (P) is found in the form of phosphate ions (H2PO4–). Outside of bone, phosphorous plays roles in energy storage (such as in ATP), and is required for the formation of DNA and RNA. Therefore, it is required for cellular growth, maintenance, and tissue repair.

When combined with hydrogen, phosphorous forms dihydrogen phosphate ions (H2PO4–). Dihydrogen phosphate acts as a buffer to maintain a constant pH balance by acting as either a hydrogen ion donor (acid) or a hydrogen ion acceptor (base). In all cells, a constant pH must be maintained to carry out cell functions.

Step-by-step explanation: