Macromolecules and Cells
Intro
To begin my sophomore year of STEM, we were introduced to the lowest level of life, macromolecules. Macromolecules make up organelles, which make up cells, which form tissues, that make up organs, which are parts or organ systems, that create a living organism.
Content
- Macromolecules - the smaller building blocks that make up organelles. Macromolecules, also known as polymers, are made of subunits called monomers. Lipids - Lipids are the macromolecules that make up the phospholipid bilayer of the cell membrane, providing structure. The heads are polar and the tails are nonpolar, and they provide insulation to the body and store longterm energy. The monomers are fatty acid and the polymers are lipids. Proteins - Proteins, or polypeptides, are made of 20 different amino acid monomers. They are responsible for building and repairing muscle and tissues. Carbohydrates - Carbohydrates are made of simple sugars, monomers, which can be combined to make complex sugars, polymers. The only purpose of carbohydrates is to provide the body with energy. Nucleic Acids - Nucleic acids are formed by nucleotides which band together to create DNA and RNA. Obviously, the nucleic acid stores and carries genetic information in the form of DNA.
- Organelles - Macromolecules form organelles, which are like the organs of a cell. Each organ has its own function that allows for the the cell to run properly.
- Cells - A cell is unit that contains organelles and work together to form a functioning organism. Cells are specialized to fit the complex needs of multicell organisms.
- Mitosis - Mitosis is the process through which cells reproduce. In order to do so, they must divide, cloning the DNA, organelles, cell membrane, and enzymes of the parent cell, to make an identical daughter cell.
- Tissue - Tissues are a collection of similar cells that do specific functions. Epithelial - Epithelial tissue line internal and external surfaces of the body, their cell membranes connect to form a barrier. Muscular - Muscular tissues move the body and its organs by contracting and relaxing. Connective - Connective tissues strengthen, support, and protect other tissues. Nervous - Nervous tissue is made of neurons with long protections that send and receive signals, coordinating body actions.
- Organs - These tissues combine to create organs such as the heart or liver. These individual organs work together to form a more complex organ system such as the respiratory system or cardiovascular system.
Reflection
Considering this was our first project, I think this was a great introduction to biology. Starting at the smallest form of life, it will be a building block upon our entire biology career. I didn't however particularly enjoy the project, because I did not really understand the content. I have discovered that I do not particularly like biology in general, however I have hope, because it is the first project of the year.
I believe this project was a lot about collaboration, like all STEM projects, because we had one partner throughout this entire unit. The project was not large, but every small lab, poster, or write up we had to complete was done with a partner. My partner was fun and very cooperative and I believe we worked well together.