1. Chapter 3: Molecules of Life
Functional Groups, Monomers, and Polymers
Pgs
Objective: I can name AND describe the process of forming/building polymers (macromolecules) and the process of breaking down/splitting polymers(macromol)

2. Organic Molecules (so which bond?) mostly covalent
Molecule formed by living organisms
Has carbon (carbon-based lifeforms)
Most = hydrocarbons; All have carbon skeleton
(but not all carbon = organic)
Carbon is good, because…
Has four valence electrons
Forms 4 covalent bonds
Can form large, complex molecules (shapes)
Quick chalkboard example
Shape  Structure  Function

3. Macromolecules LARGE organic molecules (chains/rings)
Provide structure of cell
Help run cell
4 classes/categories:
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Are these living organisms? No

4. Structure of a Macromolecule
ALL macromolecules are a type of polymer
Polymer: large molecule built of smaller repeating units linked/chained together
Monomer: individual subunits that repeat and link/chain up to make polymer
dimer
trimer
tetramer
(polymer)
Polymer
Monomer
Functional Groups

5. Functional Groups
Groups of atoms that have special properties (polar  hydrophilic, etc.)
“Hang off edge” of macromolecule – give its identity by providing function ?
 Most often found in carbohydrates
 Most often found in lipids
 Most often found in proteins
 Most often found in nucleic acids
H and OH on the edge of a macromolecule perform an important function!
Phosphate group

6. Building a Macromolecule
Dehydration synthesis (a.k.a. reaction)
Takes H from one monomer and OH from another monomer together
Removes H2O (dehydration)
Bonds the two monomers together (synthesis) covalent
Requires energy
Aided by an enzyme – special type of protein that speeds up chemical reactions

7. Breaking a Macromolecule
Hydrolysis
Brings in water (hydro-) to a polymer
Splits covalent bond in polymers (-lyse)
H goes to one monomer OH goes to other monomer
Releases energy
Also aided by an enzyme

8. Activity – Acting out D.S. and H.
4 (or less) people per group
Make colored “cards” to represent (3 colors)
3 Monomers
Polymer
OH group
H atom
H2O
Bonds
Energy
Show monomers becoming polymers through Dehydration Synthesis
Then show the polymer breaking back down to monomers through Hydrolysis