What I learned about macromolecules and how does the structure of a macromolecule affect its function?

The structure of a polymeric macromolecule consists of repeating units called monomers, the building blocks of a polymer, linked into a chain. The most important factors in the structure of macromolecules is the existence of functional groups. Functional groups are the components that are most commonly involved in chemical reactions. These functional groups can affect the bonds that hold a macromolecule together. For example, the glycosidic linkages that hold together cellulose and starch differ because of a slight difference in their ring structures. The ring form of glucose for starch is in an alpha configuration while cellulose is in a beta configuration. The differences in these two configurations is dependent on the attachment of a hydroxyl group either above of below the plane of the ring. As a result, cellulose and starch serve different purposes (cellulose is a major component of plant cell walls while starch serves as a storage polysaccharide of plants.

These functional groups also affect the polarity of the bonds. The existence of polar or nonpolar bonds ultimately affect a macromolecule's ability to interact with other substances. For example The nonpolar C-H bonds in the hydrocarbon chains of a fatty acid contributes toe the hydrophobic trait of fats. Due to this trait, fats separate from water.

The structure of a macromolecule is very complex. The example shown here is the structure of a protein. The numerous loops and twists contribute to the function of that unique protein. Denaturing a protein causes the twists and loops of the protein to unravel, thus affecting its ability to perform its function. The absence of these traits can basically render a protein useless.

Another example is DNA. Its unique double-helix structure is formed by 2 polynucleotides that spiral around each other around an imaginary axis. The pattern of nucleic acids maps out the process of forming certain proteins in an organism. A mutation in this structure can cause an organism to be incapable of producing an important protein.