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macromolecules: 12. what are the four macromolecules? 13. what does it mean that all macromolecules are organic? 14. what is the reaction that connects monomers? 15. what is the reaction that breaks down polymers? 16. what are the main three types of carbohydrates? 17. what is glucose?
Question 12
Macromolecules are large molecules essential for life. The four main types are determined by biological and chemical studies in the field of Biology (a subfield of Natural Science). Carbohydrates provide energy, lipids store energy and have structural roles, proteins perform many cellular functions, and nucleic acids carry genetic information.
In chemistry and biology, organic compounds are defined as those containing carbon - hydrogen (C - H) bonds (along with other elements like O, N, etc.). Macromolecules like carbohydrates (with C, H, O), proteins (with C, H, O, N, etc.), lipids (many with C - H bonds), and nucleic acids (with C, H, O, N, P) all contain carbon and are part of organic chemistry's scope, which is relevant to Biology (Natural Science subfield) as these molecules are vital for living organisms.
In biochemistry (part of Biology, Natural Science), monomers are joined to form polymers. The dehydration synthesis reaction removes a water molecule ($H_2O$) to form a covalent bond between monomers. For example, in carbohydrate polymerization, two monosaccharides lose a water molecule to form a disaccharide.
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The four macromolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.