Pages: (69-85 )
Abstract
The mechanisms of biosynthesis of bacterial macromolecules are presented. Bacterial macromolecules are large molecules that are formed by the polymerization of smaller molecules called monomers. They are essential for life and are synthesized from repeated linking of smaller organic molecules. The biosynthesis of bacterial macromolecules involves the combination of monomers to form polymers through dehydration synthesis and the input of energy which is obtained through various metabolic pathways.
Considering all life forms on Earth, from the smallest prokaryote to the largest eukaryote, there are four major classes of organic macromolecules that are always found and are essential to life. These molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids. All of these major macromolecule classes are similar, in that, they are large polymers that are assembled from small repeating monomer subunits. The monomer units for carbohydrates are sugar residues, whereas, the monomers for lipids are fatty acids and glycerol, for proteins are amino acids and for building the nucleic acids, DNA and RNA, are the nucleotide bases. They are a vital energy source for the organisms, provide structural support to many organisms, serve as receptors for cellular recognition, structural components of cell membranes, support growth, maintenance, transport of nutrients, storage cellular signalling and expression of genetic information, respectively.
Understanding the biosynthesis of bacterial macromolecules not only deepens the comprehension of biology, provides insights into disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic target, but also opens doors for applications in biotechnology, medicine, and the development of novel treatments of bacterial diseases.
Keywords: Bacteria, Biosynthesis, Macromolecules, Medicine, Monomers,