Organic Macromolecules

Organic Life Molecules Carbon based Macromolecules - polymers Found in all living things Many different functions

Carbon is a versatile atom. It has four electrons in an outer shell that holds eight. Carbon can share its electrons with other atoms to form up to four covalent bonds. Carbon can use its bonds to attach to other carbons Form an endless diversity of carbon skeletons

The simplest organic compounds are hydrocarbons, which are organic molecules containing only carbon and hydrogen atoms. The simplest hydrocarbon is methane, consisting of a single carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms. Larger hydrocarbons form fuels for engines. Hydrocarbons of fat molecules fuel our bodies. Each type of organic molecule has a unique three-dimensional shape. The shapes of organic molecules relate to their functions.

Microbes within a typical cow produce over 200 pounds of methane gas each year.

Polymerization Connecting monomers to create polymers.

Biochemical Reactions Connecting monomers (building molecules) by removing a water molecule. Separating monomers (breaking molecules) by adding a water molecule. Hydrolysis

Americans consume an average of 140 pounds of sugar per person per year.

Carbohydrates

Monomer – saccharides Functions – Fuel for living organisms, ID markers for immune system Types – simple & complex (1:2:1)

Proteins

Monomer- amino acids (20) Functions – catalyze reactions, building blocks of living organisms, fight diseases, provide structure & transport Types- enzymes, antibodies, pumps and channels, tissues

All proteins have 3 different structures that help determine what their function is: -Primary, secondary & tertiary structures. -SOME proteins have quaternary structures

What Determines Protein Shape? A protein’s shape is sensitive to the surrounding environment. Unfavorable temperature and pH changes can cause denaturation of a protein, in which it unravels and loses its shape. High fevers (above 104º F) in humans can cause some proteins to denature. Misfolded proteins are associated with – Alzheimer’s disease – Mad cow disease – Parkinson’s disease

A typical cell in your body has about 2 meters of DNA.

Nucleic Acids

Monomer – nucleotides Functions – store & transmit genetic information. Types – Ribonucleic Acid & Deoxyribonucleic Acid

Nucleic Acids & Proteins Nucleotides – DNA- Genes- Chromosomes DNA-Genes-RNA-Protein

Lipids Saturated fatsUnsaturated Fats Plant oilsOmega-3 fats

Components - Fatty Acids & glycerol Functions - store energy, regulate hormonal activities, biological membranes, cushioning, insulation Types – fats, oils, waxes and steroids – Saturated vs. unsaturated

Steroids Steroids are very different from fats in structure and function. The carbon skeleton is bent to form four fused rings. Steroids vary in the functional groups attached to this core set of rings. Cholesterol is a key part of cell membranes The “base steroid” from which other steroids like estrogen and testosterone. Synthetic anabolic steroids resemble testosterone and mimic some of its effects Can cause serious physical and mental problems

Most of the world’s people cannot properly digest a glass of milk.

Fig DNA Human cell (DNA in 46 Chromosomes) Chromosome 2 (one DNA molecule) Section of chromosome 2 Lactase gene 14,000 nucleotides C at this site causes lactose intolerance T at this site causes lactose tolerance

Fig. 3-UN01 Short polymerMonomerHydrolysis Dehydration reaction Longer polymer

Fig Normal red blood cell Sickled red blood cellSickle-cell hemoglobin (b) Sickle-cell hemoglobin (a) Normal hemoglobin Normal hemoglobin SEM

Fig. 3-11b (b) A fat molecule with a glycerol “head” and three energy-rich hydrocarbon fatty acid “tails”

Fig Cholesterol TestosteroneA type of estrogen