23. Contrast the “functional” size of the four major classes of biomolecules. Background: Up until now, we have (generally) been considering the ideal properties of biomolecules without regard to the relative sizes of these molecules. In general, a “functional” DNA molecule is orders of magnitude larger than any other biomolecule. A typical size single-domain protein is, however, on the order of a very small segment of DNA. If we are going to understand the physiological role of DNA we need to consider the physiochemical implications of the size of a “functional” DNA molecule. About 30x bigger"
23. Contrast the “functional” size of the four major classes of
Background:
Up until now, we have (generally) been considering the ideal properties of biomolecules without regard to the relative sizes of these molecules. In general, a “functional” DNA molecule is orders of magnitude larger than any other biomolecule. A typical size single-domain protein is, however, on the order of a very small segment of DNA.
If we are going to understand the physiological role of DNA we need to consider the physiochemical implications of the size of a “functional” DNA molecule. About 30x bigger"
Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids are the four major biomolecules. Carbohydrates are the biomolecules which act as energy source and components of plant and bacterial cell wall and eukaryotic and prokaryotic plasma membrane. Proteins act as enzymes, transporters, hormones, antibodies, receptors, and contractile units. Proteins can also act as energy source when there are no carbohydrates and lipids as energy source. Lipids are the major components of plasma membrane. Lipids can also act as thermal and electrical insulators in the body. Lipids can form steroid hormones, and help in the absorption of fat soluble vitamins. Lipids are the biomolecules used as energy source in the absence of dietary and stored carbohydrates. DNA and RNA are the two types of nucleic acids. DNA acts as the genetic material, and RNA acts as the sequence of nucleotides which stores the information for protein synthesis.
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