The Macromolecules of The Macromolecules of LifeLife

CarbonCarbon• Life on earth is carbon based

• The large molecules found in cells are carbon based.

• Carbon can form 4 covalent bonds with other atoms, so its VERY versatile!

• Organic refers to carbon

Monomers & PolymersMonomers & Polymers

Monomer = Greek ‘mono’ & ‘meros’

Polymer = ‘polu’ & ‘meros’

CarbohydratesCarbohydratesFunctions:

•Main energy source

•Stored as reserve energy supplies

•Composes plant cell walls

3 types of carbohydrates:

• Monosaccharides

• Disaccharides

• Polysaccharides

MonosaccharidesMonosaccharides Sugars with 6 carbon atoms

“Simple sugar”

Sugars end in –ose

• Glucose: sugar that green plants produce

• Fructose: sweetest- found in fruits

• Galactose: found in milk

DisaccharidesDisaccharides 2 simple sugar building blocks

• Sucrose: table sugar

•Maltose: malt sugar

•Lactose: milk sugar

PolysaccharidesPolysaccharidesMany sugar building blocks

• Starch: storage of excess sugar in plants

•Glycogen: storage of excess sugar in animal livers

•Cellulose: plant structure: cell walls & wood

•Chitin: exoskeletons of insects, crabs, lobsters

CarbohydratesCarbohydrates• Contains the elements…….

Sucrose is a disaccharide

• H2SO4 + C12H22O11 12C + 11H2O

Sulfuric Acid + sucrose yields carbon solid & water vapor!

Lipids (fats)Lipids (fats)Functions:

•Secondary source of energy

•Form the cell membrane

•Protection

•Insulation

• Contains Carbon,

Hydrogen, Oxygen

4 types of lipids:

• Triglycerides

• Phospholipids

• Steroids

• Waxes

Triglycerides:Triglycerides:Stored in fat tissue in the body, also provides insulation beneath skin; cushions

•Saturated: solid fats, all single bonds holding carbon atoms together

•Unsaturated: oils, double bonds between one or two carbon atoms

PhospholipidsPhospholipids

Components of cell membrane

SteroidsSteroidsVariety of roles including…..

• Cholesterol is part of cell membranes

• Steroid hormones transmit messages

• Bile acids break down fats

• Vitamin D assists in biological/chemical reactions

• illegal use of anabolic steroids among athletes

WaxesWaxes

Waterproofing agent

Protective covering on leaves

Bees secrete wax

Proteins (Polypeptide)Proteins (Polypeptide)

Functions:

• Structural material

• Control metabolism

• Communication, transportation, defense

• Movement

• Third energy source

ProteinsProteinsTypes:

1. Keratin: hair, silk, feather

2.Collagen: connective fibers in tendons, ligaments, skin

3.Peptide Hormones: chemical messengers that regulate body functions

• Insulin / glucagon: hormones that control blood sugar in animals

ProteinsProteins

Types:

4. Hemoglobin: transports oxygen throughout bloodstream

5. Antibodies: substances that protect animals against disease

6. Actin & myosin: muscle movement

ProteinsProteins

Types:

7. Enzymes: allow complex chemical reactions to take place

8. Fibrinogen: helps blood clot & forms a scab

Contain the elements: C, H, O, N

Nucleic AcidsNucleic AcidsFunction:

1.Stores information

2.Controls cell activities

3.Large role in heredity

Nucleic AcidsNucleic Acids1.DNA: Stores information

in a code – directs cells to construct proteins

2.RNA: help synthesize proteins

Contain the elements C, H, O, N, P