Can you attempt building models of biomolecules using commercially available atomic models (Ball and Stick models).
Yes, one can attempt building models of biomolecules using commercially available atomic models (Ball and Stick models).
Biomacromolecules are polymers made of building blocks. Proteins are heteropolymers made of amino acids. Nucleic acids (RNA and DNA) are composed of nucleotides. These building blocks can be represented using atomic models to understand their assembly into larger structures.
Biomacromolecules have a hierarchy of structures. The quaternary structure of proteins describes the manner in which individual folded polypeptides or subunits are arranged with respect to each other. The architecture can be a linear string of spheres, or spheres arranged one upon each other in the form of a cube or plate.
For example, adult human haemoglobin consists of 4 subunits. Two of these are identical to each other. Two subunits of α type and two subunits of β type together constitute the human haemoglobin. Such complex arrangements can be modelled.
Only three types of macromolecules - proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides - are found in living systems. Lipids, because of their association with membranes, separate in the macromolecular fraction. These can also be modelled using Ball and Stick models.
Explanation
This question from NCERT Chapter 9 (Biomolecules) is an activity-based question encouraging students to explore molecular modelling. The answer draws from the context which explains that biomacromolecules are polymers with specific building blocks (amino acids for proteins, nucleotides for nucleic acids). The hierarchy of structures and quaternary structure description (with examples like haemoglobin having 4 subunits in specific arrangements) provides the theoretical basis for understanding how models can be constructed. The context mentions that macromolecules have molecular weights of 10,000 daltons and above, and describes their structural organization patterns.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify that biomacromolecules are polymers made of building blocks - proteins from amino acids, nucleic acids from nucleotides
Step 2: Understand the hierarchy of structures in biomacromolecules
Step 3: Recognize that quaternary structure involves specific arrangements of subunits (linear string, cube, plate formations)
Step 4: Apply this knowledge to construct models representing the building blocks and their arrangements
Step 5: Note that only proteins, nucleic acids and polysaccharides are macromolecules in living systems, with lipids in the macromolecular fraction