1.

4 Properties of Biological Molecules

Size and Complexity:

● Biological macromolecules are large and complex
● Consisting of thousands or millions of atoms arranged in precise three-
dimensional structures.

Functional Diversity:
● Each type of macromolecule has distinct functions.
● Carbohydrates are primarily used for energy storage and structural support
● Lipids serve as energy reserves and form cell membranes
● Proteins have diverse functions
○ Enzyme catalysis and structural support
● Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic information.

Monomer Diversity:
● Arises from the variety of monomers that can be used to build them.
● Ex: the 20 different amino acids can be combined in various sequences to create
a vast array of proteins with different structures and functions.

Chemical Diversity:
● Macromolecules exhibit chemical diversity due to the different types of chemical
bonds and functional groups present in their structures.
● This diversity allows for a wide range of interactions with other molecules.

Polymerization Processes:
● Macromolecules are built through polymerization processes.
● Ex: proteins are formed by linking amino acids together through peptide bonds
● Ex: nucleic acids are formed by linking nucleotides together through
phosphodiester bonds.
Chapter 1 part 4 biology ap
Specificity in Interactions:
● Macromolecules often exhibit specificity in their interactions with other molecules
● Ex: enzymes are highly specific in their recognition of substrates, allowing them
to catalyze specific chemical reactions.

Conformational Flexibility:
● Many macromolecules can adopt different conformations or structural states,
which can affect their function
● Ex: proteins can undergo conformational changes that are essential for their
activity as enzymes or signaling molecules.
Regulation of Activity:
● The activity of macromolecules is often regulated in response to cellular signals
or environmental cues.
● Ex: activity of enzymes can be regulated by the presence of specific molecules or
by post-translational modifications.