Molecules of Life Macromolecules

Biomolecule: contain carbon, produced by living things. Biochemistry Terms Biomolecule: contain carbon, produced by living things. Organic Compounds – Carbon containing compounds produced by living organisms. Macromolecule – when smaller molecules join together to form a larger more complex molecule.

4. Important Macromolecules Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates 5. Organic macromolecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of 1C:2H:1O (i.e. CH2O, C6H12O6, etc.) Source of relatively “quick” energy because bonds store lots of energy. CHO

A. Simple = Monosaccharides (C6H12O6) Glucose from a plant 6. Simple Carbohydrates A. Simple = Monosaccharides (C6H12O6) Glucose from a plant Fructose from fruits on a plant Galactose from milk Glucose Fructose

7. Complex Carbohydrates A. Complex = Disaccharides (C12H24O12) -- two Sucrose = glucose & fructose Lactose = glucose & galactose Maltose = glucose & glucose Lactose Sucrose

8. Very Complex Carbohydrates A. Very Complex =Polysaccharides(CxHyOz) -- many Starch is stored in parts of plants like grains & potatoes Cellulose is found in plant cell walls & wood Glycogen is stored in animal livers & muscles Cellulose

9. Interesting Facts about Carbs: Cellulose is made of many glucose subunits. When humans eat cellulose it passes through our body undigested (this is good for dietary fiber).

C. cows & horses have very tiny microorganisms in their stomachs which can breakdown cellulose. They can digest cellulose and receive its stored energy.

Lipids

Lipids CHO 10. Organic macromolecules that are not soluble (do not dissolve) in water and are useful for storing energy. A. Composed of C, O, H B. Better for storing energy because they have more bonds than carbohydrates.

Lipid Types A. Fats = energy storage 13. There are three basic types of lipids: A. Fats = energy storage B. Steroids = hormones & cholesterol C. Waxes = protective coatings

14. Two Types of Fats Saturated – most carbon atoms are bonded to two hydrogen atoms. i. Mostly solids like butter, lard, grease ii. Can lead to heart disease

14. Two Types of Fats Unsaturated – most carbon atoms are bonded to one hydrogen atom. i. Mostly liquids like corn oil, olive oil, fish oil ii. Usually a healthier alternative

15. Steroids Organic macromolecules composed of four carbon rings. Found in hormones (increase cell growth), nerve tissues, and plant poisons.

16. Waxes Organic macromolecules that serves as a protective coating and is waterproof. Plants have a thin layer on their leaves Animals produce earwax

Proteins

Proteins CHON Organic macromolecules that are the building blocks of cells (muscles, skin, blood, etc.) and enzymes. Contain C, H, O, N atoms Our bodies contain thousands of different proteins. Proteins are made of very long chains of amino acids put together like beads on a necklace.

18. Amino Acids (AA) 20 different types of amino acids Can form new proteins based upon their order and the number of them present in a protein chain. Generalized Amino Acid

Catalysts can speed up some reactions by more than a billion fold! 19. Enzymes Special proteins that help control chemical reactions by acting as catalysts. Catalysts can speed up some reactions by more than a billion fold!

19. Enzymes c. Enzymes work by a “lock and key” mechanism between the enzyme and the substrate. d. When connected the enzyme lowers the activation energy needed for the chemical reaction.

Nucleic Acids

20. Nucleic Acids DNA and RNA CHONP Organic macromolecules used to control an organisms genetic or heredity information. Composed of C, H, O, N, P Made up of very long chains of nucleotides.

DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) 21. Types of Nucleic Acids DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) directs all cell activities and codes for genes RNA (ribonucleic acid) directs proteins creation and transfers information