Question

List the key macromolecules, primary metabolites, and small molecules in metabolism.

Short answer

Answer: The key macromolecules in metabolism are proteins (catalyzing reactions and providing structural support), nucleic acids (storing and transmitting genetic information), carbohydrates (providing energy and structural support), and lipids (energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling). Primary metabolites essential for cellular processes include glucose (energy source), amino acids (protein building blocks), fatty acids (lipid building blocks), and nucleotides (nucleic acid building blocks). Small molecules in metabolism, such as ATP (energy carrier), Coenzyme A (CoA, involved in fatty acid synthesis and oxidation), NAD+ (electron-carrier), and FAD (electron-carrier), play important roles as intermediates, substrates, and products of metabolic reactions.

Step-by-step solution

Macromolecules in Metabolism

The key macromolecules in metabolism are: 1. Proteins: These are large molecules made up of amino acids and are responsible for catalyzing metabolic reactions (as enzymes), providing structural support, and carrying out other cellular functions. 2. Nucleic acids: These are macromolecules made up of nucleotides (DNA and RNA) and are responsible for storing genetic information and transmitting genetic information to synthesize proteins. 3. Carbohydrates: These are made up of sugar molecules and serve as the primary source of energy for cells. They also provide structural support in the cell. 4. Lipids: These are organic molecules made up of fatty acids and glycerol, and play crucial roles in energy storage, membrane structure, and signaling.

Primary Metabolites in Metabolism

Primary metabolites are small molecules that are essential for the growth, development, and reproduction of cells. Some of the key primary metabolites in metabolism include: 1. Glucose: Serves as the main energy source for most cells. 2. Amino acids: Building blocks of proteins and serve as precursors for other important molecules. 3. Fatty acids: Building blocks of lipids and a source of energy for cells. 4. Nucleotides: Building blocks of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA).

Small Molecules in Metabolism

Small molecules play important roles in metabolism as intermediates, substrates, and products of metabolic reactions. Some of the key small molecules in metabolism include: 1. Adenosine triphosphate (ATP): The main energy-carrying molecule in cells. 2. Coenzyme A (CoA): An important coenzyme that participates in the synthesis and oxidation of fatty acids as well as in the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle. 3. Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+): An electron-carrier molecule involved in a wide range of metabolic reactions, such as glycolysis and the TCA cycle. 4. Flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD): Another electron-carrier molecule involved in many metabolic reactions, including the TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation.