What is a Macromolecule? Macro means “Large” so macromolecule means large molecule Made from carbon compounds

What is a Macromolecule made of? Made of monomers. “Mono” means one Monomers are the building blocks of more complex molecules (polymers) Polymers are large units made up of chains of monomers “Poly” means many Basically Macromolecule is another name for polymer!!

4 Major Types of Macromolecules Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates Instant energy source and energy storage The common carbohydrate monomer is glucose (simple sugar) Glucose can form polymers, such as starch, cellulose, glycogen Glucose’s polymers are known as polysaccharides Poly means “many” and saccharides means “sugar”

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are made of chains of sugars The different sugar compounds tend to end in “ose” Some examples are sucrose, glucose, fructose, lactose, cellulose, amylose, ribose, deoxyribose

Proteins Transportation of molecules, muscle movement, various cell/body structures and chemicals The different types of proteins are polymers The monomers that make up proteins are called amino acids The order of amino acids in a protein helps decide what “job” that protein has

Proteins Examples of proteins in the body that you might be surprised by: Collagen --building material in skin, ligaments, tendons, bones Hemoglobin --Carries oxygen in the blood Antibodies --Fight infections and diseases Enzymes --speed up chemical reactions in the body Insulin --Helps glucose get into cells

Lipids Help store energy, cushion/protect organs, insulate the body, and form cell membranes Lipids = fats and will not dissolve in water (water insoluble) Lipid monomers are fatty acid tails and glycerol heads (with hydrocarbon bases) Lipid polymers include triglycerides, phospholipids, and waxes.

Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids Nucleotide Used in DNA and RNA (which contain instructions for protein synthesis and carry genetic information Monomers are nucleotides Polymers are polynucleotide chains Nucleotide