Question

Give an example of each type of macromolecule.

Answer 1

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are polymers of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. They can be classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides and polysaccharides. Carbohydrates are found in starch, fruits, vegetables, milk and sugars. They are an important source of a healthy diet.

Nucleic Acids

The nucleic acids include DNA and RNA that are the polymers of nucleotides. Nucleotides comprise a pentose group, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base group. All the hereditary information is stored in the DNA. The DNA synthesised into RNA and proteins.

Proteins

Proteins are the polymers of amino acids. These include the carboxylic and the amino group. There would be no lipids or carbohydrates without proteins because the enzymes used for their synthesis are proteins themselves.

Lipids

Lipids are a hydrophobic set of macromolecules, i.e., they do not dissolve in water. These involve triglycerides, carotenoids, phospholipids, and steroids. They help in the formation of the cell membrane, formation of hormones and in the and as stored fuel.