• nucleic acids
• amino acids
• proteins

summary

• amino acids are the monomer building blocks of proteins
  • 20 different amino acids, containing an amino group, a carboxyl group, and an R group, which gives each amino acid its unique characteristics
  • proteins are complex polymers, which have primary secondary, tertiary and quaternary levels of structure, which contribute to their functions
  • some proteins require non-protein components called prosthetic groups to function properly
  • all nucleotides consist of 3 parts, a nitrogenous base, a 5-carbon sugar, and 1-3 phosphates
  • DNA and RNA are polymers of nucleotides
  • the two general types of nitrogenous bases are pyrimidines (U, T, C) and purines (A, G)

homework questions

• What groups of atoms are found in all amino acids?
• Describe the difference between the primary and secondary protein structures.
• Explain why it is necessary for a protein to adopt specific tertiary and quaternary arrangements.
• Relate the diversity in protein structure to the diversity in protein function
• A researcher studying a newly discovered small protein finds that when dissolved in water, the solution has a pH above 7. What amino acids would be abundant/uncommon in this protein?
• What is the role of the sugar and phosphate groups in the structure of nucleic acids?
• Your biology teacher tells you that nucleic acids, fatty acids, and amino acids can increase the $H^+$ concentration of a solution, explain how this is possible.