Biogeochemical structures and organic macromolecules are fundamental to the physiology of living organisms.
In plants, carbohydrates are synthesised for storage and structural support. Both amylose (a component of starch) and cellulose are polysaccharides.
Complete the table below to show three main differences in structure or bonding between amylose and cellulose:
| Feature | Amylose | Cellulose |
|---|---|---|
| 1. | ... | ... |
| 2. | ... | ... |
| 3. | ... | ... |
Polypeptides are macromolecular chains of amino acids, which always contain the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Cysteine is a specific amino acid that plays a critical role in stabilizing tertiary structure.
Name the element present in the R-group of cysteine that enables the formation of strong covalent cross-links between polypeptide chains.
The synthesis of lipids (such as triglycerides) shares many key biochemical features with the synthesis of proteins (such as polypeptides).
Describe three key similarities between the synthesis (condensation) reactions of triglycerides and those of polypeptides.
