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Macromolecules Notes
The atoms of life
--- The most frequently found atoms in the body are…

Carbon

Hydrogen

Nitrogen
Oxygen

Organic Compounds = made of CARBON
Bonds
Bonds are what hold macromolecules together.
Peptide Bonds - Hold amino acids together in proteins
Covalent Bonds - Hold molecules together in carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids.
Macromolecules
--- Macromolecules are LARGE ORGANIC molecules
• Also called POLYMERS
• Made up of individual “building blocks” called MONOMERS
Macromolecule #1 Carbohydrates


Chain structure with branches
A carbohydrate monomer is called a MONOSACCHARIDE
Examples: glucose, fructose, galactose

TWO sugar molecules = DISACCHARIDE
Examples: sucrose, lactose
Monosaccharides and disaccharides are called SIMPLE SUGARS
---- Polymer = POLYSACCHARIDES
examples: starch, glycogen, cellulose
----Polysaccharides are COMPLEX SUGARS (more carbon bonds = longer lasting energy)
Function of Carbohydrates: Short Term Energy
Macromolecule #2 – Lipids
 Composed of a glycerol backbone and 3 fatty acid chains.
monomer = TRIGLYCERIDE.

Fatty acid chains can be SATURATED or unsaturated

Saturated

all single bonds = full of hydrogen atoms


SOLID at room temperature
UNHEALTHY.

Unsaturated
o


double-bonded = less hydrogen atoms
LIQUIDS at room temperature
HEALTHIER
Lipid Functions
1. LONG-TERM energy storage
2.
Protection against heat loss
3.
Protection against water loss
4.
Chemical messengers (hormones)
5.
Major component of membranes
(insulation)
Macromolecule #3 – Proteins
Proteins are also called Polypeptides
The monomer is called an amino acid
•20 different kinds of amino acids
5 functions of proteins:
• Transport (e.g., hemoglobin)
• Provides immunity (e.g., immune system)
• Regulate the body (e.g., hormones, enzymes, metabolism)
• Muscle tissue (e.g., movement)
• Structural components of the body (e.g., membranes, hair, nails, etc.)
Macromolecule #4 - Nucleic Acids
----TWO types of nucleic acids: DNA and RNA
---- The nucleic acid monomer is called a NUCLEOTIDE.
---- Composed of 3 parts: Deoxyribose sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base.
---- There are 4 DIFFERENT nitrogenous bases: Adenine, Thymine, Cytosine, Guanine.
Functions
1. Both DNA and RNA are used to store & pass on genetic information from one generation to the
next
2. Both DNA and RNA are used to create proteins (Protein Synthesis)
3. DNA controls all cell functions