Molecules of Life Biomolecules

Monomers: simplest subunits, building blocks Polymers: repeating monomers

Monomers join to form polymers through the process of condensation (removing a water molecule) Condensation is also known as polymerization!

Hydrolysis: breaking down polymers (adding a water molecule)

4 classes of Life Substances Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids

Journal # 1 Why might a coach tell an athlete to eat pasta the night before an athletic event? What major class of bio-molecules is pasta a part of?

Carbohydrates (Carbs): Composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen Used by cells to provide ENERGY – Fuel for the cell

Carbs continued Monomer is called a monosaccharide Polymer is called a polysaccharide Examples: Monosaccharide: glucose Polysaccharide : starch in plants, glycogen in animals

Journal #2 List anything that you associate with protein. What does your list have in common?

Proteins Functions: forms muscle tissue transport oxygen in blood provide immunity (antibodies) carry out chemical reactions (enzymes) Receptors

Proteins Continued Monomer: amino acid Polymer: polypeptide (3 or more amino acids) Polypeptides are formed by peptide bonds.

Polypeptides are formed by peptide bonds

Levels of Protein Structure

There are about 20 common amino acids that are the building blocks of 1000s of different proteins. Journal #3: How can this be??? Propose an explanation.

Some amino acids are acidic, others are basic, and some are neutral. Polar/nonpolar This causes the amino acids to interact in different ways to each other. Some attract, some repel. Unique properties = unique shapes = unique functions

Based on the unique sequence of the amino acids in a particular polypeptide the protein will fold in a particular way. With 20 different amino acids, the variety of sequences and shapes that will result is limitless!!!

Enzymes : a special class of proteins Function: Increase the rate of a reaction by lowering the amount of energy required for the reaction to take place. PLEASE CAREFULLY READ AND UNDERSTAND PAGE 162 of your text book (B) Biology – The dynamics of Life (Whale cover)

Lets Review…. What is a monomer? What is a polymer? What is the building block of Carbohydrates? What is the building block of Proteins?

Lipids Monomers: fatty acids, glycerol Polymer: trigylcerides, phospholipids, wax

Used for long term energy storage, insulation, and protective coverings. Examples- Fats, oils, waxes

Journal How is information passed along in cells??? What “codes” for everything????

Nucleic Acids Store hereditary information in a code Monomer: nucleotide

Nucleic Acids Polymers: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (Ribonucleic acid)

The end of today’s lesson. Time to Review!!!