Macromolecules Organic compounds of life Macromolecule A large

Macromolecules Organic compounds of life

Macromolecule • A large, complex molecule made up of repeating subunits (also called a polymer) –Poly = many –The repeating subunits are known as monomers (mono = one)

Lipids Carbohydrates • Lipids The Chemicals of Life Proteins Nucleic Acids

CARBOHYDRATES • Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) • General Formula: (CH 2 O)n • Subunit: saccharides (different types of sugars) • Monosacharides, disaccarides, polysaccharides

CARBOHYDRATES • Examples • Sugars – fruits and some vegetables • Starches – bread, pasta, potatoes, and rice • Uses • Immediate energy • Cell walls are composed of cellulose (chains of glucose) • Found in cell membranes

LIPIDS • • Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) Subunits: fatty-acid chains and glycerol Triglycerides are called fats if they are solid at room temp, and oils if they are liquid at room temp Examples: fats (butter), oils (vegetable, olive, etc), and waxes (like candles or the coating on leaves)

LIPIDS • Uses • Long-term energy storage (MUCH more energy than carbs); good for hibernation and to keep you warm • Important component of the cell membrane (phospholipids) • Steroids (like cholesterol and hormones) • Protects against water loss and injury

PROTEINS • • Elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, & nitrogen (CHON) Subunits: amino acids bound by PEPTIDE bonds • Examples: meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and beans • Uses • *Enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions • Component of the cell membrane and other organelles within the cells, as well as skin/hair/ nails • Muscle movement • Regulates hormones

PROTEINS • Levels of structure • • Primary – amino acids Secondary – alpha helix or beta pleated sheet Tertiary – globular (ex: hemoglobin) Quaternary – 2+ proteins joined together

NUCLEIC ACIDS • Elements: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus (CHONP) • • • Subunit: nucleotides Function: Store and transmit genetic information Examples • • • DNA – the genetic material that is passed from parent to offspring RNA – plays important role in the production of proteins ATP (energy) – a nucleotide with three phosphate groups

How Monomers Become Polymers • Dehydration synthesis: water is removed when two monomers come together to form a polymer HO H H 2 O HO H

How Polymers Become Monomers • Hydrolysis: water is added to a polymer to divide it into its monomers (ex: digestion)