The largest organic matter cells

The chemical organization of the cell involves the presence of various substances and compounds. Thus, the presence of macro- and microelements, water, mineral salts has been established. Contained in the cell and organic substances, the largest of which determine its properties. These compounds, in addition, affect a number of characteristics of the body as a whole. It should be noted that the chemical composition of the plant cell and animal is identical at the atomic level. At the molecular level, there are some differences.

Many organic substances of the cell are characterized by the fact that they contain molecules of large size (macromolecules). As a rule, they contain recurring, structurally similar low-molecular compounds. These compounds are linked by a covalent bond and form monomers. Monomers, in turn, form a molecule, which is called a polymer.

The largest organic substances of the cell are fats, nucleic acids, carbohydrates and proteins.

Proteins

They account for about ten to twenty percent. These irregular polymers contain amino acids as monomers. Proteins (in comparison with other compounds) are endowed with some essential features. First, these organic substances of the cell have a huge molecular mass. So, for example, the molecular weight of the muscle protein is 15 00000 kDa, and, for example, ethyl alcohol - 46.

The composition of protein polymers revealed about twenty amino acids. Each of them has its own structure, name, properties. The amino acid molecule is made up of two parts. One part is the same for all and includes an acidic carboxyl group and an amino group. The other part is different and is called a "radical".

Proteins act as a source of energy. Inside the cell, these compounds break up into amino acids. Some of them are used for protein synthesis, while the other part undergoes a deep cleavage process. In the course of the latter, energy is released.

Carbohydrates

These organic substances of the cell contain hydrogen, carbon and oxygen. All carbohydrates are divided into polysaccharides and monosaccharides. Some of the molecules of the latter combine with each other, releasing water. Thus, a polysaccharide is formed.

Carbohydrates are included in the carrier of hereditary information - nucleic acids.

Lipids

This group includes fat-like substances and directly fats. Lipids have a different structure. However, all of them are endowed with common properties. Lipids do not dissolve in water, and are highly soluble in chloroform, gasoline, ether and other organic solvents.

Fats and fat-like compounds play an important role. The share of lipids from dry weight is 5-15%. In some cells, their content reaches 90%. Fat is present in all mammals in milk. In female dolphins, for example, the proportion of fat in milk is about 40%.

Nucleic acids

The name of these compounds was derived from the Latin word "nucleus" (nucleus). These substances were identified and isolated by Friedrich Micher from nuclear cells. In 1869 a Swiss biochemist isolated a compound including phosphorus and nitrogen.

Nucleic acids are high molecular compounds. They ensure the preservation and transfer of genetic data in living organisms. These biopolymers are formed from monomeric units, nucleotides that are contained in large quantities. Nucleotides determine the main properties of a living organism.

DNA - polymer molecule, which consists of a huge number of monomers - deoxyribonucleotides. RNA is a polymer. As a monomer, a ribonucleotide appears in it.