Question

functions in the cell. listed in the chart below are the names of each polymer, its associated monomer, and the functions it may perform. fill in the chart using your new knowledge about biological macromolecules.

polymers
proteins
carbohydrates
lipids
nucleic acids

monomer
amino acids

functions
speed up reactions, aid in movement, contribute to structure, perform functions of the cell

energy storage, assist in structure

store and transport information, speed up reactions

Explanation:

• Proteins are polymers made of amino acids. They have diverse functions such as speeding up reactions (as enzymes), aiding in movement (e.g., muscle proteins), contributing to structure (e.g., collagen), and performing various functions in the cell.
• Carbohydrates (polymers like starch, glycogen) are made of monosaccharides (e.g., glucose). Their functions include energy storage (e.g., starch in plants, glycogen in animals) and assisting in structure (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls).
• Lipids (not true polymers in the same sense as others, but can form large structures) have different subunits. For example, triglycerides (a type of lipid) are made of glycerol and fatty acids. Lipids function in energy storage (e.g., fats), insulation, and as components of cell membranes.
• Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are polymers of nucleotides. They store and transport genetic information (DNA and RNA respectively), and some RNA molecules can speed up reactions (ribozymes).

Answer:

Polymer	Monomer	Functions
Carbohydrates	Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose)	Energy storage, assist in structure
Lipids	Glycerol and Fatty Acids (for triglycerides) etc.	Energy storage, insulation, component of cell membranes
Nucleic Acids	Nucleotides	Store and transport information, speed up reactions (in case of some RNA)