BIOL 101
BIOMOLECULES OF CELLS ASSIGNMENT
AMANDA JORDAN
BIOL101:PRINCIPLES OF BIOLOGY (D11)
23 OCT 2025
OVERVIEW
The large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules are called
biomolecules (biological macromolecules). There are four major classes of biomolecules,
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids which are an important component of the cell.
Combined, these molecules make up the majority of a cell’s mass. Foods you consume help to
produce these 4 biomolecules needed for a healthy life. Carbohydrates can be found in almost all
food sources and are an essential part of our diet. Lipids include a diverse group of compounds
that are united by a common feature: they are hydrophobic. Proteins are one of the most
abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all
macromolecules. Nucleic acids are key macromolecules in the continuity of life as they carry
instructions for the functioning of the cell via DNA.
INSTRUCTIONS
After researching Chapter 4 sections 4.3 through 4.7 of your text and utilizing additional
research sources, answer the Nucleic Acids questions. Then answer one set of questions
of the Carbohydrates, Lipids, or Proteins. When this assignment is complete, you would
have answered the Nucleic Acids questions and one set of questions from either the
carbohydrates or lipids or proteins.
Save these instructions and add your answers to this document. Highlight your answers.
Submit your assignment as a word document by browsing your computer for your saved
Word.doc by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on Monday of the assigned module/week.
CARBOHYDRATES
1a. Summarize the role and function of carbohydrates in the body.
1b. List a carbohydrate food example.
1c. Identify the differences in simple and complex carbohydrates.
1d. What are negative side effects to your body when too few carbohydrates are consumed?
1e. What are negative side effects to your body when too many carbohydrates are consumed?
1f. What is Galactosemia and discuss causes and symptoms.
1g. Discuss the role of fiber as a carbohydrate and how it effects the body.
LIPIDS
2a. Summarize the role and function of lipids in the body.
2b. List a lipid food example.
2c. What are the three main types of lipids?
2d. What are the three types of fatty acids?
BIOL 101
2e. What is the difference between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids and provide examples of
each?
2f. Are Sterols lipids or fats?
2g. What are phospholipids and what is their function in cells?
PROTEINS
3a. Summarize the role and function of proteins in the body.
Proteins catalyze over 4000 chemical reactions in the body. They also transport substances
throughout the body, store amino acids, serve as structural elements of cells and tissues and
are crucial to immune response. Proteins can be antibodies for immune defense.
3b. List a protein food example.
Lentils are a legume protein.
3c. What is the basic unit of proteins?
Amino acid is the basic unit of protein.
3d. What are negative side effects to your body when too little protein is consumed?
Negative side effects of consuming too little protein include, but aren’t limited to:
Brittle hair and nails
Muscle weakness and atrophy
Lower, weaker, or nearly non existent immune response
Mood changes and/or irritability
Dry skin
Skin conditions
3e. What are negative side effects to your body when too much protein is consumed?
Excessive protein intake can lead to health problems. These include, but are not limited to:
Digestive problems
Heart health risks
Bad breath
Weight gain
Potential nutritional imbalance
Heightened cancer risk
Bone health deterioration
3f. How do proteins provide structural support for cells?
Proteins play a crucial role in structural support of the cytoskeleton. There are three main
types of protein in cells:
Microtubules help maintain cell shape and also serve as tracks for intercellular
support.
Actin filaments, also known as microfilaments, provide mechanical support and
stability to cells and tissues
Microfilaments play a crucial role in cell movement and changes in cell shape.
3g. How are proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease?
Amyloid beta plaque proteins have been linked to changes in brain function and memory
in people with Alzheimer’s. Other proteins accumulating beside these Amyloid betas may
also be responsible for symptoms. Changes in proteins in the brain and the presence of
certain plasma proteins in the blood may serve as biomarkers and early warning signs of
the onset of Alzheimer’s. These plasma proteins are associated with dementia.
NUCLEIC ACIDS
BIOL 101
4a. What are the monomers used to construct nucleic acids called?
Nucleotides are the monomers that are used to construct nucleic acids.
4b. What are nucleotides constructed of?
Nucleotides are constructed of three different parts. The first part is a phosphate group,
which is made of phosphorus and oxygen atoms. This molecule connects to the five-carbon
sugar molecule, the second part of a nucleotide. The five-carbon sugar in DNA is
deoxyribose, while in RNA it is just ribose. The third part of the nucleotide determines
what type of nucleotide it is. This last and final part is known as the nitrogenous base.
4c. ATP is a very common nucleotide. Why is the bond between the second and third phosphates
in ATP so important?
The bond between the 2nd and 3rd phosphates in ATP is so important because it stores a
large amount of potential energy. This energy is released when this high energy bond is
broken. This bond is also easily broken.
4d. RNA is a nucleic acid. What is the major role of RNA?
RNA Directs protein senses by acting as a messenger to carry genetic information from
DNA to the ribosomes. After this genetic information reaches the ribosomes it is
transformed into proteins. RNA also acts as enzymes(ribozymes), regulates gene
expression, and even serves as the genetic material for some viruses.
4e. DNA is a nucleic acid. What is the major role of DNA?
DNA's major role is to act as a blueprint for an organism's development, functioning, and
reproduction by storing and transmitting genetic information.
4f. What are the nitrogenous bases in DNA?
The nitrogenous bases in DNA are adenine(A), guanine(G), cytosine(C), and thymine(T).
4g. What are the nitrogenous bases in RNA?
The nitrogenous bases in RNA are cytosine, guanine, cytosine, and uracil(U). The uracil in
RNA replaces the thymine found in DNA
4h. Why are RNA polymers much shorter than DNA strands?
RNA polymers are synthesized from only a small, specific segment of a DNA chromosome,
representing either a portion of a gene or one gene. RNA polymerase transcribes only a
limited portion of the DNA that corresponds to a single gene.
