Download Intro to Macromolecules

INTRO TO
MACROMOLECULES
 “Macro”=BIG;
Example: A protein may mass over
100,000 Daltons (amu)
Compare to glucose: C6H12O6 = 180
Daltons
 Polymers made of monomers (subunits =
identical or similar)
 Small molecules common to all organisms
are ordered into unique macromolecule
for individuals & species.
Macromolecule
Monomer
1. Carbohydrate = Monosaccharides
2. Lipid =
Glycerol/Fatty Acids
3. Protein =
Amino Acids
4. Nucleic Acid =
Nucleotides
Monomers are joined by Dehydration
Synthesis (Condensation Synthesis);
creates covalent bond.
Water is removed from the monomers as
they join = “dehydrate” the monomers.
• 1 monomer provides the hydroxyl group
(OH); the other monomer provides a
Hydrogen (H)
• Cell uses energy
• Enzymes are used
Ex. of Dehydration Synthesis
Monomers are broken apart
through Hydrolysis
- (“hydro”= water; “lysis” =
break/burst); reverse of
dehydration synthesis.
 Water is used from the cell to
hydrolyze the bond between the
monomers; break bonds with water.
The diversity of macromolecules in
the living world is huge! The
possible variety is effectively
limitless.
Why?
CARBON!