Download Macromolecules


The element carbon (C)
is a component of almost
all biological molecules.

Carbon has four electrons in its outermost energy level.

One carbon atom can form four covalent bonds with
other atoms.

Carbon compounds can be in the shape of straight
chains, branched chains, and rings.
 Composed of long chains of smaller molecules.
 Smallest units (monomers) form larger units
(polymers).
 There are four groups of organic compounds found in
living things…

A compound made of small carbon
compounds called amino acids.
 20 different amino acids are divided
into two categories:
▪ Essential = must be ingested (9)
▪ Non-Essential = can be produced
in the body (11)
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Enzymes
Required for building and repair of body tissues
Hemoglobin (carries Oxygen to your cells)
Immune system
Essential body processes such as :
 water balancing
 nutrient transport
 muscle contractions

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Protein is a source of energy
Protein helps keep skin, hair, and nails healthy

Values of n ranging from three to seven are called
simple sugars, or monosaccharides.
(ex. Glucose, Fructose, Galactose)
 Two monosaccharides joined together form a
disaccharide.
(ex. Sucrose, Lactose, Maltose)
 Longer carbohydrate molecules are called
polysaccharides.
(ex. Glycogen, Amylose, Cellulose, Chitin)
Polymer (starch)
Starch is a polymer of
glucose monomers that
often has a branched
structure.
Polymer (cellulose)
monomer
Cellulose is a polymer
of glucose monomers
that has a straight, rigid
structure
 Organisms use carbohydrates as a
primary source of energy.
 Plants use carbohydrates for
structural support

Molecules made mostly of carbon and hydrogen.

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Fat if solid at room temperature
Oil if it is liquid at room temperature

Lipids that have tail chains with only single bonds
between the carbon atoms are called saturated fats.

Lipids that have at least one double bond between
carbon atoms in the tail chain are called unsaturated
fats.

Fats with more than one double bond in the tail are
called polyunsaturated fats.
Triglyceride
Uses:
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Lipids can be broken down as a source of energy.
Lipids make up cell membranes.
Lipid are used to make human hormones (steroids).
 Nucleic acids are complex macromolecules that store
and transmit genetic information.
 Nucleic acids are made of smaller repeating subunits
called nucleotides, composed of carbon, nitrogen,
oxygen, phosphorus, and hydrogen atoms.
A phosphate group
deoxyribose (sugar)
nitrogen-containing molecule,
called a base

Nucleic acids store and transmit genetic info in two
forms:
 Ribonucleic Acid (RNA)
 Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA)
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