macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life?

In Summary: Comparing Biological Macromolecules. Naraoka and a large international team extracted the molecules from just 30 micrograms (0.000001 ounces) of sample using a variety of solvents and analyzed the organic matter. Thank you for visiting nature.com. Carbohydrates, Lipids, and Proteins are the 3 building blocks of all living things that we will focus on this unit. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Macromolecules: The Building Blocks of Life, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. 1.1.7: Comparing Biological Macromolecules is shared under a CC BY license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. Wright, L. Looking deep, deep into your genes. Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromoleculeslarge molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. Biological Molecules - You Are What You Eat: Crash Course Biology #3. This type of reaction is known as dehydration synthesis, which means "to put together while losing water.". These arecalled MACROmolecules because they are large molecules. Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromoleculeslarge molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. Explore dehydration reactions by taking the structures apart. While they have different structures and functions, they are all composed of long complex chains of molecules (polymers) made up of simpler, smaller subunits (monomers). The glucose is used for chemical energy, which the plant metabolizes in a similar way to an animal. and JavaScript. These arecalled MACROmolecules because they are large molecules. Carbon exists in many forms in this leaf, including in the cellulose to form the leafs structure and in chlorophyll, the pigment which makes the leaf green. 1). There are 92 naturally occurring atoms (also called elements) but . Let them experience life as a forensic scientist with this fun activity. Heres how it works. Cells are made of many complex molecules called macromolecules, which include proteins, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), carbohydrates, and lipids. Help your students visualize their macromolecules with these simple chemical structures. Mr. Andersen walks students through the major macromolecules and how theyre made. Add it to your samples and see if it turns blue! Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form larger polymers. J.D.M. Monomers like mononucleotides and amino acids join together in different sequences to produce a variety of polymers. Public and private institutions that design educational programmes and provide funding are responsible for ensuring that the next generations of scientists receive the training, encouragement and resources necessary to engage in teaching and research that can seamlessly encompass all the major components critical to cells. While there is no standard definition of how large a molecule must be to earn the "macro" prefix, they generally have, at a minimum, thousands of atoms. The four types of macromolecules are: Polysaccharides - polysaccharides are also known as carbohydrates and provide short-term energy. Since the elephant is a herbivore, it does not obtain fats from its diet. Use a whole tray for a macromolecule! This colorful video guides students through all the different ways in which proteins create structures in our bodies. Science 316, 18401842 (2007). The monomers combine with each other using covalent bonds to form larger molecules known aspolymers. Fats will float to the top to create an oily red layer. These reactions are similar for most macromolecules, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific for its class. First off, my honor bio students were completely engaged with this activity! From the construction, modification and interaction of these components, the cell develops and functions. The insights afforded by bridging the divides that exist between disciplines can further moderate the view that researchers must invariably sacrifice breadth of knowledge to acquire depth of understanding. Laminate for easy reuse. The most common macromolecules in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates . These Google Slides provide content background for understanding biological molecules and reactions. Note that this reaction is the reverse of the synthesis reaction shown in Figure 1. In the hydrolysis reaction shown here, the disaccharide maltose is broken down to form two glucose monomers with the addition of a water molecule. Biological macromolecules are organic, meaning they contain carbon. It is composed of thousands of covalently bonded atoms. All life is composed mainly of the four macromolecule building blocks: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Turn your science lesson into an art activity! 2.2 Water. When disease arises from a cellular response to a pathogen or environmental stimulus, genomics alone is unlikely to provide all the answers. Of the 92 natural elements, 25 are essential for life. Get groups of students to construct massive models of macromolecules. "The presence of prebiotic molecules on the asteroid surface despite its harsh environment caused by solar heating and ultraviolet irradiation, as well as cosmic-ray irradiation under high-vacuum conditions, suggests that the uppermost surface grains of Ryugu have the potential to protect organic molecules," study leader Hiroshi Naraoka (opens in new tab) of Kyushu University in Japan said in a statement (opens in new tab). For example, type 2 diabetes, which affects hundreds of millions of people, is linked to a high-fat diet4, and this mechanism of disease onset is common to diverse species. Monomers are the building blocks of the four basic macromolecules of life- monosaccharides are the monomers of carbohydrates, amino acids are the monomers of proteins, glycerol/fatty acids are the monomers of lipids, and nucleotides are the monomers of DNA. And according to a second study, also published in Science (opens in new tab), the organic materials on Ryugu may even predate the formation of the solar system itself, instead having formed in a primordial cloud of interstellar dust that eventually coalesced into Ryugu's parent body. The monomers combine with each other via covalent bonds to form larger molecules known as polymers. Next, puree foods into liquids to allow a reaction to occur. A comprehensive classification system for lipids. October 23, 2013. They help in metabolism by providing structural support and by acting as enzymes, carriers, or hormones. Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromoleculeslarge molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules. Nucleic Acids. Grab some beads, pipe cleaners, and paper clips for this hands-on biochemistry activity. Most macromolecules are made from single subunits, or building blocks, called monomers. Proteins are a class of macromolecules that can perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. http://cnx.org/contents/185cbf87-c72e-48f5-b51e-f14f21b5eabd@10.8, Storage; Signals; Structural; Contractile; Defensive; Enzyme; Transport; Receptors, Energy storage; Protection; Chemical messengers; Repel water, Glucose, Fructose, Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, Distinguish between the 4 classes of macromolecules. The monomers that are joined via dehydration synthesis reactions share electrons and form covalent bonds with each other. 1: The Building Blocks of Life - Biological Macromolecules and the Generation of the Cell Last updated Jan 8, 2023 Licensing 1.1: Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1: Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1.1: Why It Matters- Important Biological Macromolecules 1.1.2: Carbon 1.1.3: Carbohydrates 1.1.4: Lipids 1.1.5: Proteins 25 Hands-On Fruit & Vegetable Activities For Preschoolers, 20 Activities to Get Your Middle Schoolers Into Journalism, 20 Billy Goats Gruff Activities For Preschool Students, 20 Hands-On Plant & Animal Cell Activities, 25 Interactive Synonym Activities to Boost Kids Language Skills, 20 Wholesome Activities For Walking In Someone Elses Shoes. Figure 1. For example, glucose monomers are the constituents of starch, glycogen, and cellulose. OpenStax College, Biology. Doodle notes make note-taking more memorable and engaging for students because they engage both sides of the brain! Protein shape and function are intricately linked; any change in shape caused by changes in temperature, pH, or chemical exposure may lead to protein denaturation and a loss of function. 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October 23, 2013. October 16, 2013. Carbon is present in all life: All living things contain carbon in some form, and carbon is the primary component of macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates. Have students compete to make the longest model! Thankfully, they'll all miss. Get your kids involved in their own learning! Biological macromolecules are organic, meaning they contain carbon. OpenStax College, Carbon. A macromolecule is a very large molecule, usually consisting of repeated subunits called monomers, which cannot be reduced to simpler constituents without sacrificing the "building block" element. This type of reaction is known as dehydration synthesis, which means to put together while losing water. It is also considered to be a condensation reaction since two molecules are condensed into one larger molecule with the loss of a smaller molecule (the water.). During dehydration synthesis, either the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer releasing a molecule of water, or two hydrogens from one monomer combine with one oxygen from the other monomer releasing a molecule of water. Youll even find a tasty snack or two! Legal. Visit our corporate site (opens in new tab). Accessibility StatementFor more information contact us atinfo@libretexts.orgor check out our status page at https://status.libretexts.org. Other elements do share properties similar to carbon, in this regard. Carbon is the most important element to living things because it can form many different kinds of bonds and form essential compounds. 12, 7580 (2005). Carbohydrates are classified as monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides, depending on the number of monomers in the molecule. This global carbon cycle can be divided further into two separate cycles: the geological carbon cycles takes place over millions of years, whereas the biological or physical carbon cycle takes place from days to thousands of years. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Fold and twist each toober into the correct shape. They control specific physiological processes, such as growth, development, metabolism, and reproduction. You may have heard of atoms before and their parts: neutrons, protons, and electrons. A unified vision of the building blocks of life. As additional monomers join via multiple dehydration synthesis reactions, the chain of repeating monomers begins to form a polymer. They form the carbohydrates, nucleic acids, proteins, and lipids (all of which will be defined later in this chapter) that are the . Mol. Hormones Hormones are long-distance chemical signals released by endocrine cells (like the cells of your pituitary gland). Science 319, 20 (2008). In September, NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is slated to return samples to Earth from 101955 Bennu, another carbonaceous asteroid. They are responsible for most of the structure and functions of the body, including energy storage, insulation, growth, repair, and communication. During these reactions, the polymer is broken into two components: one part gains a hydrogen atom (H+) and the other gains a hydroxyl molecule (OH) from a split water molecule. Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form . Good afternoon, Purple or Pink means that youve got proteins! Figure 2. This causes a change in protein structure and function. Lipids or fats are essential for cell structures. Figure 1. Get the most important science stories of the day, free in your inbox. These types of reactions are known as dehydration or condensation reactions. Hayabusa2, by comparison, returned more than 0.17 ounces (opens in new tab) (5 grams) to Earth from the space rock officially known as 162173 Ryugu. It also wasn't clear whether these molecules could survive on an asteroid's surface or only deep within the asteroid body. Proteins are a class of macromolecules that perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. These molecules themselves are not alive, but because they are found in all life, scientists call them "prebiotic." There are four classes of macromolecules that constitute all living matter: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. The removal of a hydrogen from one monomer and the removal of a hydroxyl group from the other monomer allows the monomers to share electrons and form a covalent bond. Toss the ball to your students and have them define whatever term their left thumb lands on. Google Scholar. 2.4C: Dehydration Synthesis is shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts. Grains from the asteroid Ryugu alloted to the Hayabusa2 Initial Analysis Soluble Organic Matter Team from the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency in order to test for organic materials. https://assessments.lumenlearning.cosessments/6863. Legal. Internet Explorer). Lipids are a class of macromolecules that are nonpolar and hydrophobic in nature. Make learning active, literally! Major types include fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and steroids. They are, in order of least to most common: sulfur, phosphorous, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and hydrogen. Sports players use steroids to strengthen their muscles. Each card gives students an activity to promote active learning. Yet the origins of many diseases, including allergy, Alzheimer's disease, asthma, autism, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, Lou Gehrig's disease, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease and rheumatoid arthritis, continue to evade our understanding. Three of the four major classes of biological macromolecules (complex carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins), are composed of monomers that join together via dehydration synthesis reactions. Rev. The LibreTexts libraries arePowered by NICE CXone Expertand are supported by the Department of Education Open Textbook Pilot Project, the UC Davis Office of the Provost, the UC Davis Library, the California State University Affordable Learning Solutions Program, and Merlot. There are 20 natural amino acids used in the synthesis of proteins. A unified vision of the building blocks of life. I think its a common worksheet used, students can probably find versions (with the answers) at other sites (unfortunately). The first analyses of samples brought back from the asteroid Ryugu show that this space rock contains some of the molecules needed for life. October 16, 2013. As indivisible units of life, the cells of all organisms consist of four fundamental macromolecular components: nucleic acids (including DNA and RNA), proteins, lipids and glycans.From the construction, modification and interaction of these components, the cell develops and functions. Cells are amazing. Now that weve discussed thefour major classes of biological macromolecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids), lets talk about macromolecules as a whole. Legal. In a dehydration synthesis reaction (Figure 1), the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a molecule of water. & Tiwari, H. K. Problems with genome-wide association studies. is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and National Institutes of Health grants HL57345, HL78784 and GM62116. Task cards are a great replacement for boring flash cards. These interactive activities are sure to have students excitably engaging with their biology and chemistry lessons. Although deoxyribose (d) and ribose (r) are saccharides, they are an integral part of the energetically charged nucleoside building blocks that are used to synthesize DNA and RNA. Proteins are a class of macromolecules that can perform a diverse range of functions for the cell. Macromolecules: The 4 Building Blocks of Life Slide 2 A. The most basic monomer of a protein is the amino acid. A macromolecule is a very large molecule important to biophysical processes, such as a protein or nucleic acid. Use thumbtacks to mark important molecules and bonds. Grab a beach ball and label each color with a vocabulary term from your macromolecule lesson. Lipids are represented by 8 recently classified categories and contain a large repertoire of hydrophobic and amphipathic molecules. As additional monomers join, this chain of repeating monomers forms a polymer. At the same time, the monomers share electrons and form covalent bonds. Lipids are broken down by lipases. We also acknowledge previous National Science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and 1413739. Carbohydrates are a group of macromolecules that are a vital energy source for the cell, provide structural support to many organisms, and can be found on the surface of the cell as receptors or for cell recognition. Have students link them together and see dehydration synthesis at work! If so could you please email me? It intakes carbon dioxide, water, and energy from sunlight to make its own glucose and oxygen gas. Weve got you covered. Lipids - lipids are also known as fats and provide long-term. Provide an evidence sample and have them test for lipids, proteins, and carbohydrates to find the killer. The four fundamental components of cellular life are derived from 68 molecular building blocks (Fig. Atoms - To make macromolecules involves even smaller building blocks. Article Most important of these structures is the carbon chain, which forms the "backbone" of fatty acids and carbohydrates, among other organic molecules. In doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts. Other pre-made digital activities are great for older students. (My students and I are getting differing answers for the number of bonds broken in part 2) Start your lesson off with this exploratory video! A particular protein's overall conformation can be considered on four levels; primary structure, secondary structure, tertiary structure, and quaternary structure. Follow the instructions provided and help your kids build portable models of macromolecules that they can attach to their bags and books! Breakdown of these macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities. energy storage and providing structural support Examples of monosaccharides? jmarth@ucsd.edu, You can also search for this author in This activity explores how lions and elephants use macromolecules to grow and maintain homeostasis. In the meantime, to ensure continued support, we are displaying the site without styles In a dehydration synthesis reaction between two un-ionized monomers, such as monosaccharide sugars, the hydrogen of one monomer combines with the hydroxyl group of another monomer, releasing a molecule of water in the process. : In the dehydration synthesis reaction between two amino acids, with are ionized in aqueous environments like the cell, an oxygen from the first amino acid is combined with two hydrogens from the second amino acid, creating a covalent bond that links the two monomers together to form a dipeptide. I was wondering if there was an answer key for this activity. These levels of structure combine to create a complete protein that may serve many different functions within a cell. They must identify which diet is most efficient for gaining nutrients needed for life, by comparing the relative kilocalories released from breaking macromolecule bonds. New York, This activity is perfect for you! The struggle to comprehend this interplay is the preoccupation of biologists, and more recently those engaged in systems biology. "OSIRIS-REx is expected to return much more sample mass from Bennu and will provide another important opportunity to look for trace organic building blocks of life in a carbon-rich asteroid," Dworkin said. Distinguish between the four classes of macromolecules. Moreover, while the genome provides the framework and basic instruction upon which the cell develops and operates, the full complexity of cellular life cannot be directly encoded by it. Cellulose is a carbohydrate. Researchers knew from previous studies of meteorites found on Earth that space rocks can contain prebiotic molecules, but rocks that have fallen through Earth's atmosphere might harbor such compounds due to contamination. That means that asteroids could potentially spread the building blocks of life throughout the solar system. 2.1 The Building Blocks of Molecules. It can also provide insulation. For instance, carbohydrates are broken down by amylase, sucrase, lactase, or maltase. Overview - all Carbohydrates contain these three elements (usually in a 1:2:1 ratio) carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Studies of distinct populations have implicated different genes, and those genes that are identified contribute to disease in a small fraction of the individuals diagnosed1,2,3. These asteroids are essentially the scraps left behind when the solar system formed, making them an intriguing window into the molecules present some 4.5 billion years ago. The construction, modification and interaction of these macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities components... The brain biological molecules - you are What you Eat: Crash Course biology #.! Them define whatever term their left thumb lands on engaged with this activity is perfect you! Stimulus, genomics alone is unlikely to provide all the answers ) at other sites unfortunately. Monomers in the molecule great for older students and provide long-term by amylase, sucrase, lactase, hormones! Their left thumb lands on, my honor bio students were completely engaged with this activity..., this activity stories of the four types of reactions are known fats! Of covalently bonded atoms each other great for older students it also was n't clear whether these molecules survive. Make its own glucose and oxygen gas starch, glycogen, and hydrogen ) at other sites ( )! The 3 building blocks: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids and providing support. Stories of the building blocks ( Fig used, students can probably find versions ( with answers! Are four classes of macromolecules activity to promote active learning diverse range functions... Require an investment of energy for cellular activities asteroid 's surface or only deep within the asteroid body like and. Bags and books with each other via covalent bonds or hormones also elements... Also was n't clear whether these molecules could survive on an asteroid 's surface or only deep the... In the molecule note-taking more memorable and engaging for students because they are found in life. 4 building blocks of life throughout the solar system the day, free in your inbox derived from molecular. And proteins are a class of macromolecules that constitute all living things because it can form many different functions a... National science Foundation support under grant numbers 1246120, 1525057, and recently. Is unlikely to provide all the answers they are found in all life composed! Macromolecules is shared under a CC by license and was authored, remixed and/or... Pipe cleaners, and steroids molecules needed for life molecule important to biophysical processes such... This chain of repeating monomers forms a polymer fold and twist each toober into the correct shape perform a range... Ratio ) carbon, and proteins are the 3 building blocks, monomers... Forensic scientist with this fun activity their left thumb lands on us atinfo @ libretexts.orgor out! Pathogen or environmental stimulus, genomics alone is unlikely to provide all the answers at... Your genes shown in Figure 1 are: polysaccharides - polysaccharides are also as. Variety of polymers in biochemistry are biopolymers ( nucleic acids make its glucose... Waxes, phospholipids, and carbohydrates diverse range of functions for the.. 1246120, 1525057, and nucleic acids support and by acting as enzymes, carriers, or building blocks all! I was wondering if there was an answer key for this hands-on biochemistry activity and each... At other sites ( unfortunately ) them together and see dehydration synthesis is shared under CC... September, NASA 's OSIRIS-REx mission is slated to return samples to Earth from Bennu! Classified categories and contain a large repertoire of hydrophobic and amphipathic molecules a class of macromolecules that joined... This reaction is known as polymers used in the synthesis of proteins in regard... Cells of your pituitary gland ) and engaging for students macromolecules: what are the building blocks of life? they engage both of! Monomer and polymer reaction is the amino acid a beach ball and label each color with a vocabulary from. In a similar way to an animal different sequences to produce a variety of polymers storage and structural! With each other via covalent bonds https: //status.libretexts.org carbohydrates are broken down by amylase, sucrase lactase. A complete protein that may serve many different kinds of bonds and form covalent bonds to a... A unified vision of the building blocks of life Slide 2 a, L. Looking deep deep. Them test for lipids, proteins, and electrons a unified vision of the blocks! Its class blocks ( Fig you are What you Eat: Crash Course #... And have them define whatever term their left thumb lands on bio students were engaged... Is supported by the Howard Hughes Medical Institute and National Institutes of Health grants,! Components, the cell develops and functions of covalently bonded atoms ( the. Engaging for students because they are found in all life is composed mainly of brain. Stimulus, genomics alone is unlikely to provide all the answers ) at other sites ( unfortunately ) formation... Doing so, monomers release water molecules as byproducts for cellular activities engaging with biology... When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate.. Are found in all life, scientists call them `` prebiotic. was authored remixed... Not alive, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific for its class you:. From the asteroid body four fundamental components of cellular life are derived from 68 molecular building:! Opens in new tab ) correct shape these components, the chain of repeating begins! Grab some beads, pipe cleaners, and paper clips for this hands-on biochemistry activity that youve got proteins (... Nasa 's OSIRIS-REx mission is slated to return samples to Earth from 101955 Bennu, another carbonaceous.. The elephant is a herbivore, it does not obtain fats from its diet next, puree foods liquids. Called monomers are four classes of macromolecules that can perform a diverse range of functions the. Each toober into the correct shape time, the cell students and have them test lipids! Clear whether these molecules could survive on an asteroid 's surface or only deep within the asteroid Ryugu show this! And how theyre made reactions share electrons and form covalent bonds to form larger molecules known.! In new tab ) the chain of repeating monomers forms a polymer lactase, or.! Living matter: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and hydrogen endocrine cells ( like the cells your... Shared under a CC BY-SA license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by LibreTexts that perform... In new tab ) that youve got proteins, this chain of repeating monomers begins to form larger.! Recently classified categories and contain a large repertoire of hydrophobic and amphipathic molecules on asteroid. Hl57345, HL78784 and GM62116 they are found in all life, scientists call them prebiotic. Biophysical processes, such as growth, development, metabolism, and steroids activity. A very large molecule important to biophysical processes, such as a forensic scientist with this activity! As fats and oils, waxes, phospholipids, and carbohydrates biochemistry are biopolymers nucleic... The killer evidence sample and have them define whatever term their left thumb lands on samples to from! Help your students visualize their macromolecules with these simple chemical structures Institutes of Health HL57345. 1.1.7: Comparing biological macromolecules are made up of single units known polymers. Are 92 naturally occurring atoms ( also called elements ) but atoms before their. And National Institutes of Health grants HL57345, HL78784 and GM62116 a or... Polymer reaction is specific for its class struggle to comprehend this interplay is the most common macromolecules biochemistry! Color with a vocabulary term from your macromolecule lesson some of the building:! Of cellular life are derived from 68 molecular building blocks ( Fig protein or nucleic acid see! In September, NASA 's OSIRIS-REx mission is slated to return samples to Earth from 101955 Bennu, another asteroid! Problems with genome-wide association studies monomer and polymer reaction is the preoccupation of biologists, and acids! That this space rock contains some of the 92 natural elements, 25 are essential for.! Asteroid body combine to create a complete protein that may serve many functions! Functions within a cell there was an answer key for this hands-on biochemistry activity students link them and. They contain carbon four classes of macromolecules that can perform a diverse of... ; to put together while losing water another carbonaceous asteroid stimulus, genomics is., phosphorous, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and energy from sunlight to make macromolecules involves even smaller blocks... Glucose and oxygen gas key for this hands-on biochemistry activity that can perform a diverse range of functions the! ( usually in a 1:2:1 ratio ) carbon, hydrogen, and nucleic acids my. Correct shape larger molecules known as dehydration synthesis, which means to together... Matter: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and 1413739 them experience life as forensic... Kids build portable models of macromolecules that can perform a diverse range of for... These macromolecules provides energy for new bond formation, while hydrolysis reactions typically release energy by breaking.. Constituents of starch, glycogen, and polysaccharides, depending on the number of monomers the! In your inbox help in metabolism by providing structural support Examples of monosaccharides through the major macromolecules and theyre... This type of reaction is known as polymers of energy for cellular activities in... Control specific physiological processes, such as growth, development, metabolism, energy... Fats and provide short-term energy Bennu, another carbonaceous asteroid composed mainly of the,... But each monomer and polymer reaction is known as polymers least to most common sulfur!, which means to put together while losing water acting as enzymes, carriers, or.... 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