In addition to water, what are the main macromolecules essential for life on earth?

Question

What are the main macromolecules and polymers that are essential for life on earth? also, really briefly, why are they so essential?

Answer 1

First of all there are many macro-molecules essential to life. The basic molecules include: Proteins, which are comprised of amino acids. Lipids, which are made of fatty acids. Polysaccharides made up of carbohydrates. DNA and RNA made up from nucleotides. Other macromolecules include vitamins, organic acids and molecules involved in redox reactions.

Here are some of the functions of the above mentioned molecules:

Proteins- responsible for structural molecules (i.e. part of cell walls, membranes) and enzymes (molecules that catalyze a desired reaction).

Lipids- provide structure for cell membranes and other structures requiring hydrophobic interactions. Provides a good method of storing energy (i.e. fat).

Polysaccharides- provide structures on the outer surface of cell membranes or cell wall. These can act as structures that are involved in cell signalling (i.e. signals a multicellular organism that a cell belongs to the organism: "self marker" and other markers or ligands utilized by other biological molecules to act upon). Also in bacteria carbohydrates can be used to defend against certain types of antibiotics. These molecules are also a good source of energy for many organisms and is used in energy storage for many organisms in the form of starch.

DNA and RNA- DNA provides the genetics (through a code of nucleotides) of an organism. It defines what the organism is, and what the organism will be, during development. It is also contains the template for the building of proteins and other molecules.

RNA copies the DNA template and makes the desired proteins from the DNA code. Thus, RNA acts as a messenger and translator of genetic information and helps in putting proteins together in a structure known as a ribosome.

Vitamins generally can be co-factors which aid enzymes in their functions. They also can be anti-oxidants to protect the cell from damaging oxygen molecules.

Redox molecules are usually involved in the processes required to make energy for the cell. They also are involved in "fixing" inorganic molecules and incorporting organic molecules in to cell material.

Other thoughts

Many molecules are actually combinations of the above classes of macromolecules mentioned (i.e. lipo-proteins and lipo- saccharides).

The elements of hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorous and sulfur are needed for life as we know it on Earth.

Oxygen is not required for all organisms in the production of energy and is fact poisonous to anaerobic bacteria.

I can go on, since I am a Microbiologist but I think this a good start.

Answer 2

Carbon and oxygen are not macromolecules.

Polymers, especially biopolymers, are the main macromolecules essential for life. Proteins, lipids, and carbohydrates are basically the three you should name if it is for school work.

Answer 3

These are the four organic compounds essential to life.

1. Carbohydrates:
-- made of monosaccharides
-- include sugars, starches, cellulose, ...
-- provide energy, store energy, support plant cell walls

2. Lipids:
-- made of glycerol and fatty acids
-- include fats, waxes, oils
-- provide insulation, store energy, make up protective coatings, structural parts of membranes

3. Proteins:
-- made of amino acids
-- include structural proteins, enzymes, ...
-- enzymes catalyze most reactions in cells; proteins build parts of living things like hair, horns, nails; form structural elements in cells (microfilaments, microtubules); carry oxygen; give immunity; contract muscles, ...

4. nucleic acids
-- made of nucleotides
-- include DNA and RNA
-- DNA has the code for how to build the proteins; RNA is involved in this process

That's it.
They all contain the elements C, H, and O.
Proteins also contain nitrogen and sometimes sulfur.
Nucleic acids also contain nitrogen and phosphorus.

Answer 4

The basic biopolymers are DNA-RNA (nucleic acids), proteins, carbos and lipids. Nucleic acids carry the information (genes), proteins are the most important and proliferous molecules that have both structural and functional roles. Carbos and lipids take part in metabolism, they store and release (through metabolism) energy. Of course many other molecules and elements are inevitable for example vitamins, iron etc.

Answer 5

DNA, proteins, enzymes also glucose and other carbohydrates.
DNA and protein as they are the building blocks of all lifeforms on earth
GLucose and other carbohydrates serve as fuel to be converted into metabolic energy
Cholorphyll is essential for plants and some bacteria as they use it to convert light energy

Answer 6

Oxygen, O2, is essential for cellular respiration in all aerobic organisms. It is the third most abundant chemical element in the universe by mass, after hydrogen and helium.

Answer 7

Carbon - Its the building blocks of nearly everything. Sugars, proteins, fats, alcohols. Its needed in the blood.

Answer 8

DNA and protiens. They serve to allow replication of themselves so that life may continue after that particular organism dies. Chlorophyl is key too, without that, there would be no way to sustain life.

Answer 9

sun is the main source of energy on the earth
water is also d most important part 4 survival
wind or air is also essential

Answer 10

we classify them as inorganic and organic compounds. the former includes water, oxygen, carbon dioxide, ammonium/nia, phosphate; the latter includes carbohydrates, protein, fats and lipids and nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)