Macromolecules Chemistry of Life Notes Part 3

Remember: Key Elements in Biological Systems C H N O P S Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Oxygen Phosphorous Sulfur

Biology = Carbon Based

Importance of Carbon Abundant Versatile Tetravalent – Forms 4 bonds – Leads to LOTS of variety

Macromolecules Large! Accomplish all life functions Types: Carbohydrates, lipids*, proteins, nucleic acids

Macromolecules – Building Blocks Monomer – the repeating subunits of polymers; building blocks Polymer – long molecule consisting of many similar subunits Building/breaking molecules rely on H2O

Polymer Synthesis Term note: Synthesis = to make or form Dehydration Synthesis – Water is removed – Bonds form between two monomers – One molecule donates –OH and the other molecules donate the –H Put it together = H2O

Polymer Breakdown Term note: Hydro = water; Lysis= to split Hydrolysis Reactions – Water is added – Break bonds between monomers using water – Allows food to be digested

Carbohydrates!

Carbohydrates Other terms: Sugars or starches Elements: C, O, H Monomer = monosaccharide – Examples: glucose, fructose

Carbohydrates – Monomer Shape DRAW:

Carbohydrates Special structure: 2 monomers together – Disaccharide Polymer = polysaccharide

Polysaccharides – Energy storage Polysaccharides are great for short term storing of energy Plants: Energy storage in starch (sugar) molecules Animals: Energy storage in glycogen molecules

Polysaccharides - Structure Plants: Cellulose is the structure molecule for cell walls Animals and Fungi: Chitin is the structure molecule (exoskeleton in bugs, cell walls in fungi)

Cellulose – Strong!

Lipids!

Lipids Other terms: waxes, fats, and oils Elements: C, H, and O Monomers: Three major types – Triglyceride (glycerol and fatty acid chains) – Phospholipids – Steroids

Glycerol Fatty acid chains

Lipids Key features: – Lipids are nonpolar – Lipids are hydrophobic  Hate water!

Fats (Triglycerides) Long term energy storage and insulation 1 glycerol & 3 fatty acid chains Types: Saturated and unsaturated (unhealthy)

Phospholipids Essential structures of cell membranes Polar heads Nonpolar tails

Steroids Hormones and body functions Example: Cholesterol

Proteins!

Proteins Elements: C, H, O, N, and some S Monomer: – Amino Acid – 20 types! Polymer: – Polypeptide chain Label and draw the amino acid!

Proteins Key Features: – Control most functions in humans – Very diverse

Proteins  Basic Functions Enzymes Structure/support Transport of substances Hormones Cell communication Protection against disease

Nucleic Acids!

Nucleic Acids Elements: C, H, O, N, and P Monomer = nucleotides – Structure: Phosphate + sugar backbone Nitrogenous base

Nucleic Acids Polymers: DNA & RNA Functions: – DNA = genetic material organisms inherit from parents – Blueprint for proteins + information storage molecules

RNA vs. DNA