QuestionJuly 18, 2025

Compare and contrast the chemical structures of the four groups of biological molecules (the molecules of life).

Compare and contrast the chemical structures of the four groups of biological molecules (the molecules of life).
Compare and contrast the chemical structures of the four groups of biological molecules (the molecules of life).

Solution
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Answer

Carbohydrates: (CH_2O)_n, Lipids: Hydrocarbons, Proteins: Amino acids, Nucleic Acids: Nucleotides. Explanation 1. Identify the Four Groups The four groups are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. 2. Describe Carbohydrates Structure Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Basic formula is **(CH_2O)_n**. Includes monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), disaccharides, and polysaccharides. 3. Describe Lipids Structure Mainly hydrocarbons forming nonpolar covalent bonds. Includes fats (glycerol + fatty acids), phospholipids (glycerol + two fatty acids + phosphate group), and steroids (four fused rings). 4. Describe Proteins Structure Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Consist of an amino group, carboxyl group, and R group (side chain) attached to a central carbon. 5. Describe Nucleic Acids Structure Polymers of nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine/uracil, cytosine, guanine). 6. Compare and Contrast Carbohydrates and lipids primarily store energy; proteins perform diverse functions including catalysis and structure; nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information. Carbohydrates and nucleic acids have repeating units, while lipids and proteins have more varied structures.

Explanation

1. Identify the Four Groups<br /> The four groups are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.<br /><br />2. Describe Carbohydrates Structure<br /> Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Basic formula is **$(CH_2O)_n$**. Includes monosaccharides (e.g., glucose), disaccharides, and polysaccharides.<br /><br />3. Describe Lipids Structure<br /> Mainly hydrocarbons forming nonpolar covalent bonds. Includes fats (glycerol + fatty acids), phospholipids (glycerol + two fatty acids + phosphate group), and steroids (four fused rings).<br /><br />4. Describe Proteins Structure<br /> Polymers of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Consist of an amino group, carboxyl group, and R group (side chain) attached to a central carbon.<br /><br />5. Describe Nucleic Acids Structure<br /> Polymers of nucleotides. Each nucleotide contains a sugar (ribose or deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base (adenine, thymine/uracil, cytosine, guanine).<br /><br />6. Compare and Contrast<br /> Carbohydrates and lipids primarily store energy; proteins perform diverse functions including catalysis and structure; nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information. Carbohydrates and nucleic acids have repeating units, while lipids and proteins have more varied structures.
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