Question

Explain the structural role of the different biomolecules within a cell.

Answer 1

Carbohydrates, proteins, fats and nucleic acids are the biomolecules occurring in a cell. Each biomolecule is specified for a distinct role in the cell.

Carbohydrates are high energy molecules and are readily broken down in a cell to provide energy in the form of ATP. The simple sugar available in a cell is glucose. All the other types of sugars are converted to glucose and are break down. Glucose forms a polymer called glycogen and acts as energy reserve in a cell. The glycogen reserves occur in liver and muscles and are ready sources of energy.

The proteins are polymers of amino acids. These are building blocks of energy. The proteins contribute for the muscle mass and also various proteins having specific role of transport and compositions of cellular constituents.

Lipids or fats are chief sources of a cell. Various kinds of lipids and fats form structural and other components in a cell. The fats provide insulation to body cells and also act as energy reserves. When the glucose is no longer available as energy resource in a cell, the cells use fats and breakdown then to meet the energy requirements. Fats accumulate in the adipose tissue and also help in maintaining the body temperature.

Nucleic acids, the DNA and RNA are the genetic materials. These genetic materials are passed from parent to offspring during reproduction and fertilization. The genetic material is much essential for any cell to maintain its genomic integrity. The RNA is mainly involved in protein synthesis. The proteins required by a cell are synthesized from DNA to RNA and then into proteins through the processes of transcription and translation. The protein synthesis is also regulated by the RNA.