Lesson 2.3: Macromolecules

Macromolecules Macromolecules are polymers, the combination of many monomers (single units) 4 Major groups sorted by chemical composition

Macromolecules Carbohydrates are macromolecules made up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) atoms that plants & animals use as their main source of energy usually in a ratio of 1 C : 2 H : 1 O The breakdown of sugars supplies immediate energy

Single sugar molecules are carbohydrates called monosaccharides Examples: glucose & fructose (sugar)

The larger carbohydrates are known as polysaccharides Examples:

Macromolecules Lipids are macromolecules made mostly from carbon (C) and hydrogen (H) that animals use to store energy Lipids are hydrophobic, which is not dissolvable in water Ex. fats, oils, and waxes, steroids and hormones Important parts of cell membranes

DO NOT TAKE HOME, THANKS! Saturated fatty acids are carbon-carbon single bonds that are solid at room temp “Bad” fats Ex: Crisco

Unsaturated fatty acids have at least one carbon-carbon double bond and are liquid at room temp (more than one double bond = polyunsaturated) “Good” fats Ex: Olive oil

Macromolecules Proteins are macromolecules that are made up of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O), and have the most diverse functions (jobs) in the body Proteins have many functions, including: Control rate of reactions Regulate cell processes Transport in/out of cells Help fight disease

Proteins are composed of amino acids Covalent bonds link amino acids together to form a polypeptide A protein is a molecule built from one or more polypeptides

Macromolecules Nucleic Acids are macromolecules containing hydrogen (H), oxygen (O), nitrogen (N), carbon (C), and phosphorus (P) that are used to store and transmit genetic information Two types: DNA & RNA The only macromolecule to exist inside the body naturally

Nucleic acids are made up of nucleotides that bond together Consist of three parts: a 5-carbon sugar a phosphate group a nitrogenous base