What kind of macromolecule is an enzyme

Answer: A Proteins Explanation: Enzymes are protein macromolecules. Related Questions. Report Error Kindly mention the details of the error here Which of the following plants is carnivorous? How many 'canine teeth' does an adult human have? Which of the following is a disease caused by protozoa? Which of these is an excretory organ of the human body? A Pupa. B Adult. C Larva. D Egg. A Venus Flytrap. B Hyacinth. C Cypress Vine. D Amaryllis. Article PubMed Google Scholar.

Rossi, G. Creighton, T. Timchenko, A. McCammon, J. Careri, G. Cooper, A. USA 73 , Flory, P. New York: Wiley Walton, A. Monod, J. Muirhead, H. Gerhart, J. Kauzmann, W. Perutz, M. Kendrew, J. Zuber, H. Eisenberg, H. Berlin-New York: de Gruyter Siebenhaller, J. Natta, C. Lincei 4 , 61 Eklund, H.

White, A. New York: McGraw-Hill Volkenstein, M. Article Google Scholar. Hopfield, J. CNRS , 53 Download references. You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar. Reprints and Permissions. Why are enzymes macromolecules?.

Naturwissenschaften 66, — Each macromolecule is broken down by a specific enzyme. For instance, carbohydrates are broken down by amylase, sucrase, lactase, or maltase. Proteins are broken down by the enzymes pepsin and peptidase, and by hydrochloric acid. Lipids are broken down by lipases. Breakdown of these macromolecules provides energy for cellular activities. Proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids are the four major classes of biological macromolecules—large molecules necessary for life that are built from smaller organic molecules.

Macromolecules are made up of single units known as monomers that are joined by covalent bonds to form larger polymers. The polymer is more than the sum of its parts: it acquires new characteristics, and leads to an osmotic pressure that is much lower than that formed by its ingredients; this is an important advantage in the maintenance of cellular osmotic conditions. A monomer joins with another monomer with the release of a water molecule, leading to the formation of a covalent bond.

These types of reactions are known as dehydration or condensation reactions. When polymers are broken down into smaller units monomers , a molecule of water is used for each bond broken by these reactions; such reactions are known as hydrolysis reactions.

Dehydration and hydrolysis reactions are similar for all macromolecules, but each monomer and polymer reaction is specific to its class. Dehydration reactions typically require an investment of energy for new bond formation, while hydrolysis reactions typically release energy by breaking bonds.

Improve this page Learn More.