1. The Building Blocks of Life
Macromolecules

2. Carbon Carbon is a component of almost all biological molecules
Life on earth is considered “carbon- based”.

3. Macromolecules
Large molecules that are formed by joining smaller organic molecules together
Polymer – made from repeating subunits
Important Macromolecules:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Fats or Lipids
Nucleic Acids

4. Activity – Macromolecules Use pp. 166-171
Obtain four index cards and 5 color pencils
Write the name of a macromolecule in big letters on each of the index cards
Draw a labeled diagram of the molecule.
Carbohydrates - draw the ring and chain structure of a monosaccharide. Draw a disaccharide.
Proteins – Draw two amino acids joined together. Label the Carboxyl groups, Amino groups, and a peptide bond.
Nucleic acid – Draw a simple nucleotide (sugar, phosphate, base)
Lipids – Draw saturated and unsaturated and label important subunits.
On the other side:
Subunits:
Elements present:
Identify different types: (carbs, lipids, nucleic acids only)
Give examples and their function in living organisms:

5. Glucose: C6H12O6 Carbohydrates Consists of: Ratio: Carbon Hydrogen
Oxygen
Ratio:
One oxygen and two hydrogen for every Carbon
(CH2O)n
Examples: Sucrose: C12H22O11
Glucose: C6H12O6

6. Carbohydrates Types: Monosaccharide – simple sugar
Glucose – provides energy to most living organisms
Disacharide – Two simple sugars bound together
Lactose and sucrose
Polysaccaride - long chain “many”
Glycogen – storage in liver or muscle
Starch – storage in plants
Cellulose - Makes up outer boundary of a plant cell

7. Lipids and fats Structure: Have hydrocarbon chains called fatty acids
Contain a glycerol molecule

8. Lipids and fats
Types:
Saturated – Animals store energy as saturated fats. The fatty acids stick to arterial walls and can lead to cardiovascular disease if not consumed in a cautious manner.
Unsaturated Fats: Plants store energy in unsaturated fats. These fats don’t stick to arterial walls in the same way as saturated fats do.

9. Lipids and Fats Roles in living organisms: Energy storage Insulation
Structure of the cell membrane (phospholipid)
Steroids
Starting point for vitamin D and hormones (estrogen and testosterone)
Adds stability to the cell membrane

10. Protein Made of: Amino Acids (building blocks of proteins) Consist of:
Carbon
Nitrogen
Oxygen
Hydrogen
Amino Group
Carboxyl Group

11. Putting Together A Protein (Protein Synthesis)

12. Protein Examples and Function
Speed up reactions – enzymes in digestion
Transport substances (hemoglobin)
Provide structural support (collagen)
Make hormones – (estrogen, testosterone)
IMPROTANT:
Amino Acids are the
building blocks of proteins!

13. Enzymes Substances that help speed up chemical reactions
Substrate: The compound to be broken down or put together
hill.com/sites/ /student_view0/chapter 2/animation__how_enzymes_work.html

14. Nucleic Acids Store and transmit genetic information
Examples: DNA & RNA
Made of nucleotides that contain:
Carbon
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus
Hydrogen

15. Nucleic Acids Sugar phosphate backbone Base attached to the sugar