Organic compounds of life 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)

Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids The Chemicals of Life

CARBOHYDRATES Elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) General Formula: (CH2O)n Subunit: saccharides (different types of sugars) Monosacharides, disaccarides, polysaccharides

CARBOHYDRATES Examples Uses 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 Uses *Enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions 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 H2O HO H

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