6: Macromolecules- Nucleic Acids and Proteins
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- 6.1: Introduction to Nucleic Acids and Proteins
- As you learn about nucleic acids and proteins, keep in mind that we will revisit these macromolecules in later topics. Understanding their chemical structures and properties is essential to understanding how they are made and used by the cell.
- 6.2: Nucleic Acids
- Nucleic acids are the most important macromolecules for the continuity of life. They carry the genetic blueprint of a cell and carry instructions for the functioning of the cell.
- 6.3: Proteins
- Proteins are one of the most abundant organic molecules in living systems and have the most diverse range of functions of all macromolecules. Proteins may be structural, regulatory, contractile, or protective; they may serve in transport, storage, or membranes; or they may be toxins or enzymes. Each cell in a living system may contain thousands of proteins, each with a unique function. Their structures, like their functions, vary greatly.
Thumbnail: 1K6F_Crystal Structure Of The Collagen Triple Helix Model Pro- Pro-Gly103. (CC-SA-BY-3.0; Nevit Dilmen)