1. Carbon and Macromolecules
Chapters 4 & 5

2. YOU MUST KNOW The properties of carbon that make it so important
The role of hydrolysis and dehydration reactions
How the sequence and subcomponents of the 4 major macromolecules determine their properties
The cellular functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids
How changes in these molecules affect their function
The 4 structural levels of proteins and how changes at any level can affect the activity of the protein
How proteins reach their final shape (conformation) and how they can be denatured by heat and pH
Directionality influences structure and function of polymers such as nucleic acids (5’ and 3’ ends) and proteins (amino and carboxyl ends)

3. CARBON!!!!!!!!!
Uniquely suited to being the foundation of biological molecules – 4 valence electrons
Forms four covalent bonds to fill its outer electron shell
- Remember – covalent bonds are strong and stable
- Can be a combination of single, double, and triple bonds
- Allows it form large molecules that can be chains, rings, or branched

4. - Molecules with the same formula but different atom arrangements
Isomers
- Molecules with the same formula but different atom arrangements
- Results in them having different biological activities
-Ex. Glucose and Fructose – C6H12O6

5. Functional Groups
- Small groups of atoms with diverse properties that attach to a carbon skeleton
- Properties of a macromolecule arise from the properties of the functional groups it contains

6. -Carbon based molecules that are the basis of all biological organisms
Organic Molecules
-Carbon based molecules that are the basis of all biological organisms
- (Big exception = carbon dioxide – not organic)
Fall into one of four categories
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
(Also called macromolecules, biomolecules, polymers)

7. Polymers – large molecules made of repeating subunits
To build – dehydration reactions – join monomers by removing a molecule of water
To break down – hydrolysis reactions – break apart into monomers by inserting a molecule of water

8. Subcomponents/monomers
Macromolecule
Elements
Subcomponents/monomers
Function
Carbohydrates
(aka polysaccharides)
C, H, O
Monosaccharides, disaccharides (aka sugars)
Energy source, short-term energy storage
Lipids
Usually glycerol combined with fatty acids
Long-term energy storage, cell membranes, hormones
Proteins
(aka polypeptides)
C, H, O, N
Amino Acids
Regulate reactions, transport molecules, membrane channels and pumps, chemical messengers, fight disease
Nucleic Acids
C, H, O, N, P
Nucleotides
Store and transmit genetic information, code for and help buid proteins

9. Carbohydrates Ratio of 1 carbon : 2 hydrogen : 1 oxygen
Monomers are monosaccharides (aka simple sugars) such as glucose, fructose, ribose
Polysaccharides (aka complex carbs) are polymers of monosacchraides such as starch, cellulose, and glycogen
Functions include energy source, short-tem energy storage, and structural support

10. Component of plant cell walls Energy storage in plants Energy storage in animals Component of arthropod exoskeletons

11. Lipids Large, hydrophobic molecules – fats, oils, waxes
Not considered polymers – no repeating monomers
Triglycerides (fats) – composed of a glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acid molecules (hydrocarbon chains – non-polar)
Functions – Long-term energy storage,
protection and insulation, component
of cell membranes, steroids such as
cholesterol, estrogen, and testosterone

12. Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fatty acids
-All single bonds between the carbons of the hydrocarbon chain (saturated with hydrogen)
-Pack together tightly
-Usually solid at room temperature
-Linked to cardiovascular disease
-Ex. butter, bacon grease, Crisco (animal fats)
Unsaturated Fatty Acids
Contain one (monounsaturated) or more (polyunsaturated) double bonds between the carbons in the hydrocarbon chain
Causes “kinking” of the chain
Can’t pack as tightly together
Usually liquid at room temperature
Ex. Vegetable oil, olive oil (plant fats)

13. Proteins

14. Protein Functions Regulate reactions (enzymes)
Transport molecules in the blood (hemoglobin)
Chemical messengers (hormones, neurotransmitters)
Channels and pumps in the cell membrane
Cell-to-cell communication (transmit/receive signals)
Fight disease (antibodies)
Provide structure and support
Contract to cause movement
The function of a protein is entirely dependent on its shape!!!
FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION

15. Nucleic Acids
Monomers are nucleotides
Polymers – DNA and RNA