Biochemistry: Structure

Monomer

• Single molecule• One subunit

• Example: Single bead for a necklace

Polymer

• Many molecules• More than one subunit

• Example: Beads making up a necklace

Basic Elements of Life

How to “read” a molecule

How to “read” a molecule

Four Macromolecules: Carbohydrates

Four Macromolecules: Lipids

Four Macromolecules: Proteins

Four Macromolecules: Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrate

• Also known as: sugars, starches

• Elements present: C, H, O

• How many of each element are present?

1 : 2 : 1 ratio

Monomer of a Carbohydrate

Simple Sugar or Monosaccharide

Polymer of a Carbohydrate

Complex sugar

Type of Carb: Monosaccharide• Explanation: One sugar / Simple Sugar

• Example: Glucose or Fructose

Type of Carb: Disaccharide

• Explanation: Two sugars

• Example: Sucrose

Type of Carb: Polysaccharide

Explanation: Many Sugars

Example of a Polysaccharides

Cellulose – structure in plants

Example of a Polysaccharide

•Starch

Examples of a Polysaccharide

•Chitin

Example of a Polysaccharide

Glycogen – stained red

Lipids• Also known as: Fats,

Oils, and Waxes

• Elements present: C, H, O

• Monomer: fatty acid • Polymer: lipid

Protein• Also known as:

Proteins

• Elements present: C, H, O, N

Protein Monomers and Polymers

Nucleic Acids

• Elements present: C, H, O, N, P

• Monomer:Nucleotides

Nucleic Acids

• Polymer: Nucleic AcidDNARNA

Identifying Macromolecules: Practice

Identifying Macromolecules

Identifying Macromolecules

Identifying Macromolecules

Identifying Macromolecules

Identifying Macromolecules

Identifying Macromolecules