The Function of Biomolecules and their Classification Homework: The Function of Biomolecules Answer the following questions about the biomolecules that provide your body with energy. Both complex carbohydrates and lipids are broken down into which of the following subunits? However, only carbohydrates maintain their health. Without both amino acids and sugars obtained by animals when they digest lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids, animals cannot survive. Which type of biomolecule can be digested into nonor saccharides and disaccharides? The original molecules should be classified as nucleic acids, carbohydrates, lipids, or proteins. Triglycerides are compounds created by combining glycerol with three fatty acids. They store large amounts of which biomolecule? Nucleic acids, lipids, carbohydrates, or proteins? In every living cell, DNA and RNA serve as the molecules that store and transmit genetic information throughout the cell. These molecules are both forms of which biomolecule? Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, or nucleic acids? Answer the questions below by selecting one of the following answer choices. Which diagram accurately depicts a nucleic acid? Which diagram accurately depicts a carbohydrate? Which diagram accurately depicts a protein? Which diagram accurately depicts a lipid? Which diagram can also be called a fot? Which diagram does NOT represent a polymer? Which diagram shows part of a cell’s genetic material?
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Answers:
- Both complex carbohydrates and lipids are broken down into which of the following subunits?
- Carbohydrates → Monosaccharides; Lipids → Fatty acids and glycerol
- Which type of biomolecule can be digested into monosaccharides and disaccharides?
- Carbohydrates
- Triglycerides store large amounts of which biomolecule?
- Lipids
- DNA and RNA are both forms of which biomolecule?
- Nucleic acids
- Diagram questions:
- Nucleic acid → Diagram showing nucleotide chains (with phosphate, sugar, and nitrogen base)
- Carbohydrate → Diagram showing ring structures of sugars (like glucose)
- Protein → Diagram showing amino acid chains with peptide bonds
- Lipid → Diagram showing long chains of fatty acids connected to glycerol
- Diagram that can also be called a fat → Lipid
- Diagram that does NOT represent a polymer → Lipid
- Diagram showing genetic material → Nucleic acid
Explanation (Approximately 300 Words):
Biomolecules are essential for the structure and function of all living organisms. Four major types of biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These molecules play unique roles in the body and are broken down into smaller subunits during digestion to provide energy and support cellular functions.
Carbohydrates are primarily broken down into monosaccharides such as glucose. These sugars are the body’s main source of quick energy. Disaccharides are pairs of sugars that can also be digested into monosaccharides. Lipids, including fats and oils, are broken down into glycerol and fatty acids. Lipids serve as long-term energy storage and are essential for building cell membranes.
Proteins are broken down into amino acids, which are vital for building muscle, enzymes, and hormones. Nucleic acids like DNA and RNA are broken into nucleotides. These nucleotides carry genetic information necessary for growth, development, and reproduction.
Triglycerides are a type of lipid made of one glycerol and three fatty acids. They are important for storing large amounts of energy. While carbohydrates are used for short-term energy, lipids provide more energy per gram and are stored for later use.
DNA and RNA are both nucleic acids responsible for storing and transmitting genetic information. DNA holds the instructions for building proteins, while RNA helps carry out these instructions.
In diagrams, nucleic acids look like chains of nucleotides with a phosphate, sugar, and nitrogen base. Carbohydrates are shown as rings. Proteins are chains of amino acids. Lipids often appear as long chains connected to glycerol. Among these, lipids are not polymers because they are not made from repeating identical subunits. Identifying the structure and function of each biomolecule helps us understand how the body uses nutrients to stay healthy and function properly.
