Professor Jay - What are the primary functions of the four main biomolecules?

Answer 1

Rubin, that is a much better question.

Carbohydrates are sugars. These sugars have a lot of different functions, including the main use as a storage system for energy. Carbohydrates are also attached to proteins and are the back bone of RNA and DNA.

Lipids are fats. Lipids are the main component of the cellular membrane, but are also very important signaling molecules. They also are precursors (building blocks) for molecules such as ear wax.

Proteins are composed of amino acids. The amino acids form a chain and make proteins. There are two major flavors of proteins: structural proteins and enzymes. Structural proteins are building blocks, such as the protein that comprise hair, or the collagen in your skin.

Nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. These have a carbohydrate back bone, and a nitrogenous base connected to them (A, G, C, T for DNA or A, G, C, U for RNA). These contain the genetic material.

Good job on the new question!

Answer 2

Carbohydrates store and release energy. Cellulose is a carbohydrate that makes up the cell walls of plants and algae, acting as a structural molecule.

Proteins build parts of living things like hair, horns, hooves, nails. Proteins carry oxygen, convey immunity, contract muscles. Enzymes are proteins that influence the rate of chemical reactions.

Lipids store energy, provide protective coatings, compose insulating tissues, and are important structural molecules in the internal and external membranes of cells.

Nucleic acids have the code for how to build proteins.