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Biomolecules

Type of Chemical Functions Location in Traits Macromolecule

Carbohydrate : usually a five or six-carbon ring. • Provides most of the Most often Simple sugars, such as glucose, Example: energy in the cell via observed in the fructose, or lactose, can be broken cellular respiration. Mitochondria where down via a hydrolysis reaction to fuel cellular respiration. More complex glycolysis takes place; however, can cannot directly enter • Allows for short and cellular respiration and must be long term storage of be found anywhere broken down into first, or energy. in the cell. they may be converted into energy storage. Complex , such as or fiber, act as long-term storage and also help provide support to the cellular structure.

Lipid Example: Linoleic Acid • Insulate, protect, and form the The double layer of lipids forming provide energy majority of the the cellular membrane helps storage for the cell. cellular membrane insulate the cell and prevent and nuclear dehydration. Lipids are broken • Steroids are envelope. Since down for energy in the absence of chemical messengers steroids are mobile, carbohydrates. Steroids are a type that move within they may be of hormone and deliver specific (intracellular) and observed within cell messages to other cells. between cells , within (intercellular). the bodies of cells, and moving between cells.

Provided by the Academic Center for Excellence 1 Fall 2014

Type of Chemical Structure Functions Location in Cell Traits Macromolecule (Amino • Carry out cellular are The functional units of the cell Acid) functions embedded in the • Act as or cellular membrane, reaction catalysts and are present in all • as chemical cellular organelles. messengers • Provide structure and support for the cell.

Nucleic Acid DNA: Adenine, thymine, guanine, cytosine • Contains the Inside the nucleus, DNA, RNA, mRNA, rRNA, RNA: Adenine, uracil, guanine, cytosine ‘blueprint’ for the cell ribosomes. tRNA, etc. Example: Adenine • Replicates or duplicates genetic material • Responsible for creation of new amino acids

• Execution of cellular

functions

Provided by the Academic Center for Excellence 2 Biomolecules Fall 2014