the ability to synthesize proteins. Protein controls activities of the cell.
Some microorganisms, such as viruses contain either DNA or RNA but not
both. Think of DNA as a set of instructions.- Ribonucleic acid (RNA). RNA is a single strand of nucleotides that relays
instructions from genes to ribosomes, guiding the chemical reactions in the
synthesis of amino acids into protein. Think of RNA as the person who car-
ries out the instructions of DNA.
The Power House: ATP
Energy is stored in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) molecules. ATP supplies power
necessary to:- Move flagella in microorganisms.
- Move chromosomes in the cytoplasm.
- Transport substances in and out of the plasma membrane.
- Synthesis reactions.
ATP is synthesized from adenosine diphosphate (ADP) and a phosphate
group (P), the latter of which gets its energy from the decomposition reaction of
glucose and other substances. ATP releases energy in the form of ADP and P
when ATP is decomposed.
Quiz
- What is a dalton?
(a) The equivalent of a nanometer
(b) The unit of measurement used to measure the structure of an atom
(c) The unit of measurement used to measure atomic number
(d) The unit of measurement used to measure atomic weight - What is the name given to a chemical element whose atoms have a
different number of neutrons?
(a) Complex element
(b) Differential element
(^44) CHAPTER 2 Chemical Elements of Microorganisms