Importance Of Macromolecules Of Life

Everywhere one looks, in the mirror or outside a window, living cells are bound to catch the eye. All living cells make up different species of life on earth. Since cells are always associated with composing a living organism, many do not think to wonder how the cells themselves stay alive and function properly. Though cells are microscopic, they are extremely complex systems with many different mechanisms used to remain functioning. Living cells utilize essential molecules consumed and DNA mechanics to regulates gene expression while also managing to produce new cells to control and stimulate growth, helping them stay alive while also being able to provide new life on this planet. The four main macromolecules of life are proteins, carbohydrates,

Beginning with proteins, they are the essential building blocks for creating and repairing body tissue and muscle, also contributing to the production of enzymes and hormones. Proteins are composed of polypeptide chains of amino acids, consisting of a carboxyl group, an amino group, and the “R” group. This macromolecule, meaning they are needed in abundance, is required for cell structure and function, doing most of the work in the human body. Without proteins, living cells wouldn’t be able to function properly, lacking the proper cell structure and ability to control different vital components of a cell complex, using hormones. Arguably one of the most important macromolecule, carbohydrates are the preferred energy source by cells. Carbohydrates are composed completely of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in a CH2O ratio. When glucose-based carbohydrates are digested, glucose monomers are broken down by cellular respiration. As glucose goes through this process, many ATPs, the main energy for powering cell work, are produced, especially during the Oxidative Phosphorylation phase. Cells wouldn’t be able to obtain preferred energy without glucose, therefore leading to a cell lacking the ability

The life cycle of a eukaryotic cell consists of interphase and mitotic division. Interphase is divided into three phases while division is split into two, mitosis and cytokinesis. Mitosis is the process by which somatic cells divide, forming two daughter cells with the same number of chromosomes as the parent cell and cytokinesis is the division of a cell’s cytoplasm, completing cell division. This process of mitosis is divided into five important phases. Though this may just seem as a cell simply dividing, the process of mitosis is extremely complex and vital to cell health and function. When cells mature during interphase, its surface area decreases, making the cell increasingly ineffective the more it grows. If a cell has too small of a surface area, not enough nutrients will be able to cross the membrane to accommodate the cell, hence not surviving. This is where mitosis comes into play and makes sure the cell splits into two functional daughter cells so this mishap doesn’t occur. Also, during interphase, the many checkpoints put in place assure health and success of mitosis in a eukaryotic cell. For example, the M Checkpoint makes sure the spindle is attached to all kinetochores on the chromosomes and that the chromosomes are all lined up on the metaphase plate. Without the M Checkpoint put in place, especially during the early stages of an organism's life, nondisjunction can occur leading to