Download Macromolecule Basics

Bellringer
• Do you like the late start day? Why or why not.
Objectives
• SWBAT…
• Explain the characteristics of the 4 major
macromolecules of biology.
• Analyze the importance of the macromolecules to
life functions
Macromolecule Basics
Proteins, Carbohydrates, Lipids, &
Nucleic Acids
Organic Molecules
• Organic molecules are the molecules which exist
in all living things.
• They are life’s building blocks.
• All organic things are formed from these organic
molecules.
• There are four categories of organic molecules:
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Carbohydrates
lipids
proteins
nucleic acids.
Common Characteristics of Organic
Molecules
1. They are all carbon based
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meaning they all contain carbon
2. They are formed from just a few elements
which join together
3. Each kind of organic molecule is built from a
single type of building block
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carbohydrates = sugar
lipids = fatty acids
protein = amino acids
nucleic acids = nucleotides
4. Their form determines their function
The Basic Molecules
• Carbohydrates
• This is the most common organic molecule
• It makes up most plant matter
• They are made from carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
• Their building block is a single sugar called a
monosaccharide (mono = single)
• When 2 sugars combine it is called a
disaccharide (di = two)
• When 3 or more sugars combine it is called a
polysaccharide (poly = many)
Basic Molecules Continued
• Carbohydrates
• There are three classes of carbohydrate
polysaccharides (poly means many)
• Starches – food storage in plants
• Glycogen – food storage in animals
• Cellulose – structural support in plants
• Lipids
• A class of organic molecules which includes
fats and oils
• Used for long-term storage of energy.
Basic Molecules Continued
• Lipids
• The building block of lipids is the fatty acid
• Fats come in two basic types
• Saturated – unhealthy fats like butter & Crisco
• Solid @ room temp.
• Unsaturated – Healthy fats like olive oil
• Liquid @ room temp.
Basic Molecules Continued
• Proteins
• Organic molecules that form muscles,
transport Oxygen (hemoglobin), and act as
hormones and enzymes.
• Enzymes speed up or assist in the chemical
reactions in the body
• The building block is the Amino acid
• 20 different kinds of Amino acids
Basic Molecules Continued
• Nucleic Acids
• This class involves 2 genetic materials
• DNA
• RNA
• The building block of nucleic acids is the
nucleotide
• These molecules work together to instruct the
body’s cells how to function
• The major difference between DNA & RNA is
that DNA can’t leave the nucleus but RNA can