1 What major biomolecule has the most number of functions an

Solution

1. There are four major types of biomolecules. Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids and nucleic acid. Out of these, the nucleic acid has the most number of function. Nucleic acid are polymers present in the living cells and are of two types: Ribonucleic acid (RNA) and Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). DNA carry genes which are responsible for storing and transmitting the hereditary information from one generation to the next. RNA help in protein formation and also have functional activity as enzymes.

2. The entire length of DNA in each cell could reach up to 2 meters if measured end to end. The DNA is coiled with the help of proteins called histones to form nucleosomes which are compacted together to form chromatin fibre. The reason for it to be compacted : to accomodate in the small size of the cell which has the size in micro meteres. It is also required to be specifically coiled which is required to enter cell division.

3. Crossing Over is the process of exchange of genes between two homologous chromosomes during sexual reproduction. This results in non-identical chromatids called recombinant chromosomes. It happens in the pachytene stage of Prophase I of meiosis.

Independent assortment is the independent separation of homologous chromosomes. The alleles of different genes get sorted into gametes randomly. This gives different hereditary traits equal probability to occur together. in the offspring. It occurs in Metaphase I of meiosis.