1. Building macromolecules
By Martin Samaj

2. What is a macromolecule?
A large molecule usually created by forms of polymerization
Monomers are small organic molecules, they join to form polymers and polymers join to form larger molecules
Macromolecules are polymers
Examples of biopolymers: nucleic acids, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates …

3. Creating macromolecules
Macromolecules are produced from a small group of circa 50 monomers
These can be put together to create different substances
The process of building them is always the same – anabolic process
So is the process of breaking them up – catabolic process

4. Anabolism (condensation reaction)
Set of metabolic pathways that create molecules from smaller particles
To carry out anabolic processes energy is required (ATP)
Polymers are joined by a process called dehydration synthesis
In dehydration synthesis, two molecules are chemically bonded through the use of enzymes and the removal of water
Example: two amino acids can be joined to form a dipeptide, this bond is called peptide linkage

5. Condensation reaction
Condensation of two amino acids to form dipeptide and water

6. Catabolism (Hydrolysis reaction)
Process where water molecules are split up into hydrogen and hydroxide ions
This method is used to break down polymers
Hydrolysis is the opposite of condensation
You break a substance apart and add water
Molecule splits into two parts by addition of water
One part of the molecule receives a hydrogen ion while the other part the remaining hydroxyl group

7. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are macromolecules made of carbon hydrogen and oxygen
They fulfill many functions like storage and transport of energy
Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides
Examples: glucose, fructose, galactose, lactose

8. Lipids Are composed of 2 types of monomers (fats) Functions of lipids:
Energy storage – fat in humans, oil in plants
Heat insulation – layer of fat under skin
Buoyancy – lipids are less dense than water

9. The end