Chapter 12, Problem S3.2BYB

Summary Introduction

To identify:

The roles of proteins and nucleic acids in the cell.

Introduction:

Proteins are organic compounds containing monomer units of amino acid residues. Amino acids contain a central carbon atom, a hydrogen atom, an amino group (NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and the R-group. Proteins are composed of one or more chains of amino acids in a specific manner. Protein composed of 20 essential amino acids.

Nucleic acids are organic compounds that are made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. These are genetic molecules that transfer and store the information at the molecular level in the cell.

Two classes of nucleic acids are: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid). DNA and RNA both are differ in composition, function and structure present in a cell.

Explanation of Solution

Roles of proteins and nucleic acids in the cell:

Proteins:

Proteins are essential for tissues, cells and organs of body for their structure, function and regulation.

All proteins contain same basic sub-components but different structures. Proteins are the essential part of all living organisms.

Proteins are the main components of body tissues (muscle, hair, etc.). Protein is important as enzymes and antibodies.

Function of proteins is in movement, transport, buffering, metabolic regulation, coordination and control, and defense.

In a cell proteins transport and receptor proteins are present.

Transport and movement of materials done by the transport proteins across cell membrane.

Receptor protein receives signals and transmits it to inside the cell.

Nucleic acids:

Nucleic acids are genetic molecules that transfer and store the information at the molecular level in the cells.

The genetic information is carries by the sequences of nitrogenous bases in DNA and RNA to make protein.

Nucleic acids present in a cell are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA).

DNA synthesizes the RNA that in turn synthesizes the protein in the cell.

DNA stores the genetic informations that are transferred from the nucleus to cell for protein translation by RNA.

RNA plays major role in cell differentiation.

Conclusion

Proteins are organic compounds containing monomer units of amino acid residues. While nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are differ in composition, function and structure. These are genetic material of the cell.