1answer.
Ask question
Login Signup
Ask question
All categories
  • English
  • Mathematics
  • Social Studies
  • Business
  • History
  • Health
  • Geography
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Computers and Technology
  • Arts
  • World Languages
  • Spanish
  • French
  • German
  • Advanced Placement (AP)
  • SAT
  • Medicine
  • Law
  • Engineering
Arisa [49]
3 years ago
13

HURRY PLEASE. List the four types of organic compounds found in all living things and explain why they are important.

Biology
1 answer:
Komok [63]3 years ago
5 0

Answer:

Explanation:

Four organic molecules make up all of the life on Earth. Organic molecules contain carbon and hydrogen chemically linked to one another in long chains, with carbon as the backbone and hydrogen atoms attached to the carbon atoms. These atoms' ability to attach to one another allows for the creation of innumerable compounds conducive to life. All organisms need four types of organic molecules: nucleic acids, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids; life cannot exist if any of these molecules are missing.

Nucleic Acids

The nucleic acids are DNA and RNA, or deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid, respectively. They make the proteins that are present in almost every structure and perform almost every function in your body. DNA has a twisted ladder-like form, while RNA has many different shapes, depending on its function. DNA typically remains within the center, or nucleus, of a cell; RNA can travel throughout the cell to where it is needed. The backbones of both substances consist of alternating molecules of phosphate and sugar. Nucleotide bases make up the "rungs" attached to the backbone. Of the two types of nucleic acids, DNA is more stable, making it less likely to be broken down than RNA. Your genes are made up of DNA, and each gene provides the code for making a specific protein. RNA helps DNA to make these proteins.

Proteins

Proteins are probably the most versatile of all the organic molecules, making up many structures and executing various functions within organisms. Building blocks called amino acids make up proteins. About 20 different amino acids combine to form all of the various types of proteins on Earth. These amino acids all have almost the exact same composition; the only difference is the R group, which differs in each of the amino acids and gives them their uniqueness. When a protein is made, the protein comes together one amino acid at a time within the ribosome -- a structure that houses protein synthesis. Proteins have four levels of structure: The primary structure is the bonding of amino acids to one another; the secondary structure refers to the folds in certain areas within the protein; the tertiary structure is the ultimate three-dimensional look of the protein; and the quaternary structure consists of smaller protein subunits chemically bonded together to form a larger protein.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates comprise the largest number of organic molecules in organisms. Basically, carbohydrates are sugars; their origin can be traced to photosynthesis, the process by which organisms such as plants use sunlight to transform carbon dioxide and water into food. The simplest sugar is glucose, a molecule used to provide fuel for many types of organisms, including humans. The sugars found in foods include: fructose in fruits, galactose in milk, maltose in vegetables and sucrose in table sugar. The starch found in whole grains and vegetables is a complex carbohydrate made of chains of simpler glucose molecules. Your body contains an enzyme called amylase, which breaks down carbohydrates in the food you eat into glucose, which your cells can use as energy.

Lipids

Lipids, perhaps better known as fats, come in different forms in your body and contain the most energy of all the organic compounds. When your body burns lipids for fuel, you get more energy than if you burned the other organic molecules. In your body, fats perform many functions, taking the form of phospholipids and cholesterol, both important components of cell membranes; waxes that provide plants and animals with a protective layer; hormones that signal different functions in your body; vitamins that aid in different cell functions; and steroids, which are important in a number of physiological processes. Fats from animals tend to be more viscous than fats from plants.

You might be interested in
A magazine advertises a protein shake that claims it can help you gain muscle. The fine print at the bottom of the screen says "
Nookie1986 [14]

Answer:

D

Explanation:

5 0
2 years ago
Question:
Doss [256]

Answer:

Explanation:

a seasonal prevailing wind in the region of South and Southeast Asia, blowing from the southwest between May and September and bringing rain (the wet monsoon ), or from the northeast between October and April (the dry monsoon ).

8 0
2 years ago
Read 2 more answers
The ultimate source of energy for terrestrial ecosystem is
ExtremeBDS [4]
The answer is the sun .
8 0
3 years ago
Describe and explain how the rate of photosynthesis is affected by light intensity​
Tema [17]
Increasing the light intensity increases the rate of photosynthesis, until some other factor - a limiting factor - becomes in short supply. At very high light intensities, photosynthesis is slowed and then inhibited, but these light intensities do not occur in nature.
7 0
3 years ago
What do you think would happen to a cell if enzymes were not<br> present?
ohaa [14]

Answer:

They would not be able to achieve homeostasis.

Explanation:

Homeostasis refers to the maintenance of a stable internal environment and the cell needs a healthy and proper enzymes to do this.

7 0
3 years ago
Read 2 more answers
Other questions:
  • Characters traits can be discovered by analyzing __________.
    7·2 answers
  • D. although protein was part of the composition of the foods in this experiment, it was not the main macromolecule component of
    7·1 answer
  • In this experiment, you will measure mass and volume of various sport balls, both regularly shaped ball and irregularly shaped.
    11·2 answers
  • Which is usually true of Archaea?
    14·1 answer
  • How do scientists use weather variables to describe and predict weather
    9·1 answer
  • Some fish have bony fins. If the body of water they are in dries out, these fins can be used to help the fish "walk" to another
    13·1 answer
  • I need help with these questions!! (Biology) 28 Points!!
    5·1 answer
  • I WILL GIVE BRANLIEST
    9·1 answer
  • each chromosome originally is made of how many DNA molecules and how does this molecule appear in the chromosome
    14·1 answer
  • Geologists have special tools to help them learn more about how energy is carried in the lithosphere. If a geologist observed th
    15·1 answer
Add answer
Login
Not registered? Fast signup
Signup
Login Signup
Ask question!