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Chapter 21: Problem 12

Three important classes of biologically important natural polymers are discussed. What are the three classes, what are the monomers used to form the polymers, and why are they biologically important?

Short Answer

Expert verified
The three important classes of biologically important natural polymers are carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids. Carbohydrates have monomers called monosaccharides (e.g., glucose and fructose) and function primarily as energy sources and structural components. Proteins have monomers called amino acids and perform a wide range of functions, such as catalysis, molecule transport, and structural roles. Nucleic acids have monomers called nucleotides and are responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information, allowing for the proper synthesis of proteins.

Step by step solution

01

Introduction to Natural Polymers

Natural polymers are long-chain molecules comprised of small repeating units called monomers. They play vital roles in various biological processes and are present in living organisms. There are several classes of biologically important natural polymers, with the three key classes being carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
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1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are a class of biologically important natural polymers that play significant roles in an organism's structure and energy storage. Their monomers are called monosaccharides, which are simple sugar molecules. Examples of monosaccharides include glucose and fructose. By connecting monosaccharides through glycosidic bonds, carbohydrates form polymers called polysaccharides. Some examples of polysaccharides are starch, glycogen, and cellulose. Biological Importance: Carbohydrates serve as a primary energy source for living organisms and contribute to the structural framework of cells (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls).
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2. Proteins

Proteins are another class of biologically essential natural polymers. They have various roles in biological systems, including catalysis, structure, and signaling. The monomers of proteins are called amino acids, which connect through peptide bonds to form polymers known as polypeptides. There are 20 standard amino acids that can be linked in various combinations to create unique protein structures. Biological Importance: Proteins perform a wide range of functions in living organisms, such as enzymatic catalysis, transporting molecules, and serving as structural components in cells.
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3. Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are the final class of biologically important natural polymers, responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. Their monomers are called nucleotides, which consist of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group. Nucleotides connect through phosphodiester bonds, creating the polymers deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Biological Importance: Nucleic acids are critical for storing and transmitting genetic information, allowing for the correct formation of proteins based on a cell's genetic code. DNA stores genetic information, while RNA plays a central role in translating this information into protein synthesis.

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Most popular questions from this chapter

Mycomycin, a naturally occurring antibiotic produced by the fungus Nocardia acidophilus, has the molecular formula \(\mathrm{C}_{13} \mathrm{H}_{10} \mathrm{O}_{2}\) and the systematic name 3,5,7,8 -tridecatetraene-10,12-diynoic acid. Draw the structure of mycomycin.

Cis-trans isomerism is also possible in molecules with rings. Draw the cis and trans isomers of 1,2 -dimethylcyclohexane. In Exercise \(41,\) you drew all of the noncyclic structural and geometric isomers of \(\mathbf{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{7} \mathrm{F}\). Now draw the cyclic structural and geometric isomers of \(\mathrm{C}_{4} \mathrm{H}_{7} \mathrm{F}\).

Draw the following incorrectly named compounds and name them correctly. a. 2 -ethyl- 3 -methyl- 5 -isopropylhexane b. 2 -ethyl-4-tert-butylpentane c. 3 -methyl- 4 -isopropylpentane d. 2 -ethyl- 3 -butyne

Draw a structural formula for each of the following compounds. a. 2 -methylpropane b. 2 -methylbutane c. 2 -methylpentane d. 2 -methylhexane

Draw a structural formula for each of the following compounds. a. \(2,2-\) dimethylheptane b. 2,3 -dimethylheptane c. \(3,3-\) dimethylheptane d. \(2,4-\) dimethylheptane
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