Question

We have discussed the major molecules in the cell (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids). You are going to chose one of these molecules and write a convincing argument for why it should be considered the most important of the four. In your argument you must include:

1) A description of the function of all four molecules and why your choice is the most important.

2) A description of the structure of the molecule you have chosen.

3) Four processes/functions that involve this molecule. You do not have to provide each detail of the process but you should describe the general function or process.

4) How this molecules interacts or depends on at least two of the other molecules

Answer 1

Nucleic acids is the most important molecule among the given four options because they are essential to all life forms as these chemical compounds are responsible for carrying information with in cells. They determine the lineage of an individual to which it belongs and hence determine the inherited characteristics. They are of two types DNA and RNA. DNA acts as a blueprint of life for all organisms and viruses while RNA being found in almost all living cells constitutes genetic material for various viruses.

Nucleic acids are polynucleotides made up of identical building blocks called nucleotides. Each nucleotide is made up of nitrogen- base and a pentose sugar (carbohydrate base) that is attached to phosphate group. Each nucleic acid has following possible nitrogen-containing bases - Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C), Thymine (T), and Uracil (U).

Chemically, DNA has two strands of polynucleotides that coil around each other to form a double helix strcture. The two strands are identical and run in opposite directions – one in orientation of 5′ to 3′ phosphodiester bond and other in the orientation of 3’ to 5’ phosphodiester bond

Functions-

a) All cellular functions are under the control of DNA even the basic cell activity such as feeding, excretion, digestion, reproduction, etc.

b) DNA direct synthesis of RNA which is then synthesized to produce Protein

c) They are responsible for the heredity and genetic diversity among organism and species

d) They constitute basic information pathway