Objectives 2.3 Macromolecules -Describe the structures and functions of each of the four groups of macromolecules.

Macromolecules consist of 4 main groups… Carbohydrates Lipids Nucleic Acids Proteins

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are sugars and starches. Living things use carbohydrates as their main source of energy.

Carbohydrates (continued…) Single sugar molecules are known as a monosaccharides. Combine 2 sugar molecules and you have a disaccharide. Combining 3+ sugars results in a polysaccharide.

Lipids Lipids can be used to: 1. Store energy 2. Form membranes Lipids are fats and are generally not soluble in water as they are nonpolar. Lipids can be used to: 1. Store energy 2. Form membranes 3. Form waterproof coverings 4. Make hormones

Nucleic Acids These include DNA, RNA and ATP. Nucleic acids store and transmit hereditary, or genetic, information. Nucleic acids are assembled using nucleotides. These include DNA, RNA and ATP.

Protein Proteins are made up of amino acids. Proteins perform many varied functions: controlling the rate of reactions; regulating cell processes; forming cellular structures; transporting substances into or out of cells; helping to fight disease.

Proteins have 4 levels of organization: A protein’s Primary structure is the sequence of its amino acids. Secondary structure is the folding of the polypeptide chain. Tertiary structure is the complete, three-dimensional arrangement. Quaternary structure is the combining of 2 or more tertiary structures.