Carbohydrates and Lipids or Sugars and Fats

Macromolecules Many of the organic compounds in living cells are macromolecules, or “giant molecules.” These large molecules are made of many repeating units called monomers, or other building blocks. Many monomers bonded together are called a polymer

Macromolecules Formed by polymerization large compounds built by joining smaller ones together. Smaller units: monomers Monomers joined together: polymer

Macromolecules Four major groups of macromolecules: CarbohydratesProteins Lipids (fats) Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates (Sugars) Main energy source for living things Breakdown of glucose provides immediate source of energy for cells (ATP)

Carbohydrates Also used for structure in organisms: Cellulose in plants

Carbohydrates Monomer = monosaccharide (usually glucose) or disaccharide Polymer = polysaccharide ex, starch and cellulose ex, starch and cellulose

Simple Carbohydrates The sugars found in fruits, honey, and sugar cane are simple carbohydrates, or monosaccharides and disaccharides.

Complex Carbohydrates The large macromolecules formed from monosaccharides are known as polysaccharides.

Complex Carbohydrates The starches found in grains, potatoes, and vegetables. Starches are broken down by the digestive system into simple sugars. Cellulose cannot be digested by humans = fiber!

Fiber in your Diet The bulk supplied by fiber helps muscles move food and wastes through your digestive system. Fiber may also have other benefits, such as reducing the risk of heart disease and Type II diabetes.

Polysaccharides to know Also Chitin:

Glycogen Glycogen is a multibranched polysaccharide that serves as a form of energy storage in animals and fungi.

Carbs & Blood Sugar Excess blood sugar is converted into glycogen, which is stored in the liver and in skeletal muscles. Excess blood sugar is converted into glycogen, which is stored in the liver and in skeletal muscles. Excess sugar may also be converted to and stored as body fat. What if your blood sugar is too low?

Lipids (Fats) The common categories of lipids are fats, oils, and waxes.

Lipids Lipids can be used to store energy. Some lipids are important parts of biological membranes and waterproof coverings.

Lipids Steroids are also lipids! Many steroids, such as hormones, serve as chemical messengers.

Lipid Saturation Each carbon atom in a lipid’s fatty acid chain is joined to another carbon atom by a single bond = saturated fat.

Lipid Saturation At least one carbon-carbon double bond in a fatty acid chain = unsaturated. More than one double bond = polyunsaturated.

Lipids in your Diet Fats help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and are part of cell membranes, parts of nerve cells, and certain hormones.

Lipids in your Diet Deposits of fat protect body organs and insulate the body.

Trans Fats Food manufacturers often modify unsaturated fats in vegetable oils by adding hydrogen to them. These processed fats are called trans fats. Trans fats are solid at room temperature. They also have a longer shelf life than unsaturated fats. Recent studies have suggested that trans fats may be associated with serious health concerns, including heart disease.