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What is a Macromolecule
Polymers are large molecules composed of
many similar smaller molecules linked
together. The individual smaller molecules
are called monomers.
When small organic molecules are joined
together, giant molecules are produced.
These giant molecules are known as
macromolecules.
Proteins - composed of amino acid monomers
and have a wide variety of functions including
molecular transport and muscle movement.
Many Types of Proteins
antibodies - are specialized
proteins involved in defending
the body from antigens (foreign
invaders).
contractile proteins - are
responsible for movement
structural proteins - are
fibrous and stringy and
provide support. Examples
include keratin, collagen, and
elastin.
enzymes - are proteins that
facilitate biochemical
reactions. They are often
referred to as catalysts
because they speed up
chemical reactions.
hormonal proteins - are
messenger proteins which
help to coordinate certain
bodily activities.
storage proteins - store amino
acids
transport proteins - are carrier proteins
which move molecules from one place to
another around the body. Examples
include hemoglobin
Protein Macromolecules:
Hemoglobin
A macromolecule is a very
large molecule commonly
created by the joining of
smaller subunits.
Proteins: Hemoglobin Wrap-up
• Hemoglobin is a protein found in Red Blood Cells (RBCs) and this
is what actually carries the oxygen found in blood
• Four oxygen atoms can bond to each hemoglobin (one to each
major subunit of hemoglobin)
A RBC doesn’t have just one
hemoglobin in it,
it is filled with hemoglobin
After water is taken out,
nearly all that’s left over is
hemoglobin
O
O
O
O
Protein Macromolecules:
Antibodies are protein
molecules that are
produced by the body
and are highly specific
for each antigen.
Antigens are anything
that the body
recognizes as foreign:
chemical compounds,
proteins, and particulate
matter (dust, pollen,
etc.)
The antibodies bind with the
antigen to effectively
remove the foreign
substance from the body.
Antibodies
Types of Antibodies
Antibodies belong to a family of large protein molecules
known as immunoglobulins.
Different classes play different roles in the immune
defense strategy. Scientists have identified nine chemically
distinct classes of human immunoglobulins: four kinds of
IgG and two kinds of IgA, plus IgM, IgE, and IgD.
(Immunoglobulins G, D, and E are similar in appearance)
IgG, the major immunoglobulin in the blood, is also able to
enter tissue spaces; it works efficiently to coat
microorganisms, speeding their destruction by other cells
in the immune system.
IgD is almost exclusively found inserted into the
membrane of B cells, where it somehow regulates the
cell's activation.
IgE is normally present in only trace amounts, but it is
responsible for the symptoms of allergy.
IgA--a doublet--guards the entrance to the body. It
concentrates in body fluids such as tears, saliva, and
secretions of the respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts.
IgM usually combines in star-shaped clusters. It tends to
remain in the bloodstream, where it is very effective in
killing bacteria.