Nucleotides
It is an organic molecule made up of three basic components- a nitrogenous base, phosphate,and pentose sugar. The nucleotides are important for metabolic reactions andthe formation of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are essential biomolecules present in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells and viruses. They carry the genetic information for the synthesis of proteins and cellular replication. The nucleic acids are of two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). The structure of all proteins and ultimately every biomolecule and cellular component is a product of information encoded in the sequence of nucleic acids. Parts of a DNA molecule containing the information needed to synthesize a protein or an RNA are genes. Nucleic acids can store and transmit genetic information from one generation to the next, fundamental to any life form.
Discuss the structures and functions of lipids.
Lipids are a diverse group of molecules, that include fats, oils, hormones, that all share the characteristic that at least a portion of them is hydrophobic. Lipids are macromolecules of the human body and perform several roles in cells which include serving as energy storage by fats and oils, as constituents of membranes (glycerophospholipids, sphingolipids, cholesterol), vitamins, and hormones (steroids) among others. Major parts of most lipids are derived from acetyl-CoA.
Structure of lipids:
The structure of lipids is mainly composed of glycerol and fatty acids. Fatty acids can be classified as saturated or unsaturated. If there is only one single bond between neighboring carbons in the hydrocarbon chain, then the fatty acid is saturated. When there is a double bond in carbons of the hydrocarbon chain, the fatty acid is unsaturated. Stearic acid is an example of saturated fatty acid while Oleic acid is an example of an unsaturated fatty acid. The number of carbon atoms in fatty acids ranges between 4-32, but most of the fatty acids have 12-18 carbon atoms. Glycerol is an alcoholic compound with three carbons, five hydrogens, and three hydroxyl (OH) groups. The fatty acids which exist as liquids at room temperature are known as oils.
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