Organic Chemistry  Carbon is a component of almost all biological molecules. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chemistry in Biology

Macromolecules Chemistry in Biology  Macromolecules:  Large molecules formed by joining smaller organic molecules together.  The four macromolecules of life are:  Carbohydrates  Proteins  Lipids  Nucleic Acids 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life

Chemistry in Biology Carbohydrates  Compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms for each carbon atom—(CH 2 O) n  Some examples of carbohydrates are glucose, cellulose, glycogen, and starch.  The primary functions of carbohydrates are to store energy and provide structural support.  Building Block - monosaccarides 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life

Chemistry in Biology  Two monosaccharides joined together form a disaccharide.  Longer carbohydrate molecules are called polysaccharides. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life  All carbohydrates are composed of building blocks called monosaccharides.

Chemistry in Biology Lipids  Molecules made mostly of carbon and hydrogen with a small amount of oxygen.  Lipids are composed of builiding blocks called “fatty acids.”  Lipids are also known as “fats.”  Some examples of lipids are triglycerides, waxes, oils, and steroids.  The primary functions of lipids are to store energy and provide barriers. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life

Chemistry in Biology Proteins  Proteins are compounds that are made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, hydrogen, and sometimes sulfur.  All proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids.  Some examples of proteins are hemoglobin, collagen, and enzymes. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life

 The functions of proteins are to:  Transport substances  Speed reactions (enzymes)  Provide structural support  Make hormones

Chemistry in Biology  Nucleic acids are complex macromolecules that are composed of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, and hydrogen atoms.  Functions: store and transmit genetic information.  Nucleic acids are made of smaller repeating subunits called nucleotides (building blocks),  Some examples of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life