1 Macromolecules Introduction to the building blocks of life

2 The Molecules of Life Organization –The next level Atom  molecule  macromolecule

Macromolecules Large molecules are called macromolecules The macromolecules are composed of submits called MONOMERS. A POLYMER is composed of many monomers.

CARBOHYDRATES LIPIDS PROTEINS NUCLEIC ACIDS 4 Classes of Biological Macromolecules

CARBOHYDRATES Monomer is monosaccharide Monosaccharides are the simple sugars They contain C, H and O in a 1:2:1 ratio and may be represented by the general formula CH 2 O

6 Function 1.Fuel (energy) 2.Building material (cellular structure)

Complex Carbohydrates Glycogen (animals) Starch (plants) are energy storing Cellulose is in plant cells Chitin is the major component in the exoskeleton of arthropods

8 LIPIDS Hydrophobic molecules –fats and oils –waxes –sterols Monomer is the fatty acid Structure is mostly C and H Hydrophilic head WATER Hydrophobic tail Figure 5.14

9 FUNCTION –Energy Storage –Fats store twice as many calories as carbohydrates –Protection of vital organs and insulation –Fat is stored in adipose cells. Steroids- differ from other lipids in structure but are classified as a lipid because they are insoluble in water

PROTEINS Many structures, resulting in a wide range of functions Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Needed for Structural support and movement (bone, cartilage, muscle) Storage/transport molecules (hemoglobin) Hormones (insulin-sugar breakdown) Enzymes (control of cellular reactions)

11 NUCLEIC ACIDS Store and transmit hereditary information Nucleotides are the monomers that make –DNA –RNA –ATP