Uses the sugar ribose

Contains uracil as one of its bases

Involved in protein synthesis only

Single-stranded molecule

Found in the cytoplasm of a cell

Transcribed from DNA

Uses the sugar deoxyribose

Contains thymine as one of its bases

Stores genetic information and the code contains the code for protein synthesis

Double-stranded molecule

Found in the nucleus of a cell

Replicates to pass on genetic information

More stable than RNA

Forms a double helix structure in most organisms

Shorter molecule

Generally a longer molecule

alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds

unbranched polymer of glucose

digestible by humans

found in starch

branched polymer of glucose

contains alpha-1,4- and alpha-1,6- glycosidic bonds

introduces branches into starch

highly branched polymer of glucose

energy storage in animals

alpha-1,4-glycosidic bonds with alpha-1,6-glycosidic branches

similar structure to amylopectin

beta-1,4-glycosidic bonds

structural component of plant cell walls

indigestible by humans

linear polymer of glucose

found in plant fibers

Forms a helix

Every second glucose rotated 180 degrees

Prosthetic groups

Multiple polypeptide chains

determined by tertiary structure

Ionic bonds

Disulphide bridges

determined by secondary structure

One polypeptide chain

hydrogen bonding only

alpha helix

beta- pleated sheets

Sequence of amino acids

determines secondary, tertiary and quaternary structu

No C=C

One C=C

At least 2 C=C

typically found in animals

Often solid

Can pack tightly

At least one bend

Packs less tightly

Large kinks in tail

Packs loosely

Typically Liquid at room temperature

Often found in plants