Download Macromolecules - Van Buren Public Schools

Macromolecules
Chemistry of Life Notes Part 3
Remember:
Key Elements in Biological Systems
C
H
Carbon
Hydrogen
N
Nitrogen
O
P
S
Oxygen
Phosphorous
Sulfur
Biology = Carbon Based
Importance of Carbon
• Abundant
• Versatile
• Tetravalent
– Forms 4 bonds
– Leads to LOTS of
variety
Macromolecules
• Large!
• Accomplish all life functions
• Types: Carbohydrates, lipids*,
proteins, nucleic acids
Macromolecules – Building Blocks
• Monomer – the repeating subunits of
polymers; building blocks
• Polymer – long molecule consisting of many
similar subunits
Building/breaking molecules rely on H2O
Polymer Synthesis
Term note: Synthesis = to make or form
• Dehydration Synthesis
– Water is removed
– Bonds form between two monomers
– One molecule donates –OH and the other
molecules donate the –H
Put it together = H2O
Polymer Breakdown
• Term note: Hydro = water; Lysis= to split
• Hydrolysis Reactions
– Water is added
– Break bonds between monomers using water
– Allows food to be digested
Carbohydrates!
Carbohydrates
• Other terms: Sugars or starches
• Elements: C, O, H
• Monomer = monosaccharide
– Examples: glucose, fructose
Carbohydrates – Monomer Shape
DRAW:
Carbohydrates
• Special structure: 2 monomers together
– Disaccharide
• Polymer = polysaccharide
Polysaccharides – Energy storage
• Polysaccharides are great for short term storing of
energy
• Plants: Energy storage in starch (sugar) molecules
• Animals: Energy storage in glycogen molecules
Polysaccharides - Structure
• Plants: Cellulose is the structure molecule for
cell walls
• Animals and Fungi: Chitin is the structure
molecule (exoskeleton in bugs, cell walls in
fungi)
Cellulose – Strong!
Lipids!
Lipids
• Other terms: waxes, fats, and oils
• Elements: C, H, and O
• Monomers: Three major types
– Triglyceride (glycerol and fatty acid chains)
– Phospholipids
– Steroids
Fatty acid chains
Glycerol
Lipids
• Key features:
– Lipids are nonpolar
– Lipids are hydrophobic  Hate water!
Fats (Triglycerides)
• Long term energy storage and insulation
• 1 glycerol & 3 fatty acid chains
• Types: Saturated and unsaturated (unhealthy)
Phospholipids
• Essential structures of cell membranes
• Polar heads
• Nonpolar tails
Steroids
• Hormones and body functions
• Example: Cholesterol
Proteins!
Proteins
• Elements: C, H, O, N, and some S
• Monomer:
– Amino Acid
– 20 types!
• Polymer:
– Polypeptide chain
Label and draw the
amino acid!
Proteins
• Key Features:
– Control most functions in humans
– Very diverse
Proteins  Basic Functions
•
•
•
•
•
•
Enzymes
Structure/support
Transport of substances
Hormones
Cell communication
Protection against disease
Nucleic Acids!
Nucleic Acids
• Elements: C, H, O, N, and P
• Monomer = nucleotides
– Structure:
• Phosphate + sugar backbone
• Nitrogenous base
Nucleic Acids
• Polymers: DNA & RNA
• Functions:
– DNA = genetic material organisms inherit from
parents
– Blueprint for proteins + information storage
molecules
RNA vs. DNA