biomacromoléculas

Biomacromolecules are large biological molecules essential for life, playing critical roles in cellular structure and function. They are polymers, meaning they are composed of repeating subunits called monomers. There are four major classes of biomacromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates serve as a primary source of energy and structural components. Monomers are monosaccharides, such as glucose, which can link to form disaccharides like sucrose or polysaccharides like starch and cellulose. Lipids are a diverse group characterized by their hydrophobic nature, serving roles in energy storage, cell membrane structure, and signaling. While not strictly polymers in the same way as the others, they are often formed from glycerol and fatty acids. Proteins are the workhorses of the cell, performing a vast array of functions including enzymatic catalysis, structural support, and transport. Their monomers are amino acids, linked by peptide bonds. Nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, carry genetic information and are involved in protein synthesis. Their monomers are nucleotides, each consisting of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. The specific sequence and arrangement of these monomers determine the unique properties and functions of each biomacromolecule.