Introduction
Life is composed of carbon, which is the building block for many other compounds that make life possible. Organic chemistry is the branch of science that studies the compounds and their building blocks. Molecules tend to bind together in chains, creating more complex compounds, among them being the polymers. The larger molecules are made up of similar ones, which are similar in composition. The individual molecules, smaller ones that make up the polymers, are the monomers.[1] The joining together of the monomers leads to the formation of the more complex compounds known as the polymers, also known as macromolecules. In living organisms, organic polymers play an important role in building tissues as well as other components. Biological macromolecules or polymers that are studied in organic chemistry are four: carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. The compounds are made up of diverse monomers and play different roles in the body.
Carbohydrates comprise of sugars, starches, as well as cellulose. Carbohydrates are made up of monomers which are blended chemically into polymers, via dehydration synthesis. Carbohydrates are primarily made up of sugar monomers and play the primary role of storage of energy. Saccharides is the other name used for carbohydrates, with the monomers responsible for their formation being referred to as monosaccharides. During cellular respiration, the monosaccharide glucose, is used as a source of energy after being broken down. Starch is the storage of glucose, which is an example of a polysaccharide. Carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen are the elements that are contained in carbohydrates, giving the typical (CH2O)n.[2] In biological systems, they are the primary molecules responsible for the storage of energy and used up for its production. Some of the carbohydrates are utilized as building materials.
Proteins are the biomolecules with the capacity to form complex structures; they are the basic components of the living tissue. Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen are the building blocks for proteins. Amino acid monomers combine chemically (by peptide bonds) to give rise to proteins. Some examples of protein include hemoglobin, collagen, enzymes, and antibodies. The building blocks for proteins are the amino acids, while proteins made up the muscle mass. The difference in proteins is determined by the number of amino acids contained in each. Structurally, the polymers are diverse and they have several functions in the body which include molecules’ transportation and movement of the muscles.[3] Proteins also play the role of hormones, enzymes, as well as immunoglobulins, among other functions. Synthesis of proteins takes place in the ribosomes and the genetic information within the cell controls the process.
Lipids are defined by their unique characteristics, not being soluble in water, which make them hydrophobic elements. They are fatty and substances that are fatty in nature. Fats (Triglycerides), phospholipids, waxes, and steroids are the main categories of the water-insoluble molecules, the lipids. A hydrocarbon chain is contained within the lipid monomers, fatty acids, and attached at the end, a carboxyl group.[4] They are heterogeneous group that are defined, not by their nature, but solubility.[5] The complex polymers like phospholipids, triglycerides, and waxes are formed by the fatty acids. Lipids play the role of helping in the storage of energy, cushioning and protecting organs, formation of cell membrane and waterproof coverings, and insulating the body.
Nucleic Acids are comprised on nucleotide monomers. Polynucleotide chains are made up of the chains of the nucleotide monomers. The polymers are responsible for the storage of the genetic materials, hence, emerge in two types: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). These two are also the main examples of nucleic acids. Instructions for protein synthesis are contained in the molecules making it possible for the genetic information to be passed from one generation to another. This is achieved through determination of the proteins that are made by a cell.[6] The molecules are also known as the molecules of hereditary because of their being containers for genetic information. The role of the polymers is as the information macromolecules. ATP is another kind of Nucleic Acid, which is responsible for containing energy for the cell. The molecular components of the polymers are Nucleotides. Conclusion
Conclusion
Evidently, the cell contains important molecules that play important role in the performance of the cell and the body as a whole. The linking of the molecules is what matters in the formation of the more complex ones, with the potential for optimal functioning of the cell. From simple components, such as the monomer, more complex structures are formed, such as the polymers. Four polymers are normally explored, carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. Each of the polymers is composed of different monomers, explaining their diversity in nature and functions. Each has its specialized function in the cell and the body in general. While the four differs in their basic components, the manner in which they are constructed, through the linking of the monomers, is basically the same.
Reference List
Chia M, Lombardi A, da Graça Gama Melão M, Parrish C. Combined nitrogen limitation and cadmium stress stimulate total carbohydrates, lipids, protein and amino acid accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae). Aquatic Toxicology [serial online]. March 2015;160:87-95.
Lai JT, Filla D, & Shea R. Functional polymers from novel carboxyl-terminated trithiocarbonates as highly efficient RAFT agents. Macromolecules, 2002; 35(18): 6754-6756.
Van Krevelen DW, & Te Nijenhuis K. Properties of polymers: their correlation with chemical structure; their numerical estimation and prediction from additive group contributions. Elsevier, 2009.
[1] Chia M, Lombardi A, da Graça Gama Melão M, Parrish C. Combined nitrogen limitation and cadmium stress stimulate total carbohydrates, lipids, protein and amino acid accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae). Aquatic Toxicology [serial online]. March 2015;160:87-95.
[2] Lai JT, Filla D, & Shea R. Functional polymers from novel carboxyl-terminated trithiocarbonates as highly efficient RAFT agents. Macromolecules, 2002; 35(18): 6754-6756.
[3] Van Krevelen DW, & Te Nijenhuis K. Properties of polymers: their correlation with chemical structure; their numerical estimation and prediction from additive group contributions. Elsevier, 2009.
[4] Lai JT, Filla D, & Shea R. Functional polymers from novel carboxyl-terminated trithiocarbonates as highly efficient RAFT agents. Macromolecules, 2002; 35(18): 6754-6756.
[5] Chia M, Lombardi A, da Graça Gama Melão M, Parrish C. Combined nitrogen limitation and cadmium stress stimulate total carbohydrates, lipids, protein and amino acid accumulation in Chlorella vulgaris (Trebouxiophyceae). Aquatic Toxicology [serial online]. March 2015;160:87-95.
[6] Van Krevelen DW, & Te Nijenhuis K. Properties of polymers: their correlation with chemical structure; their numerical estimation and prediction from additive group contributions. Elsevier, 2009.
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