2.2B Macromolecules Are you what you eat?

Organic Compounds Organic compounds- contain the element carbon Are essential to all known life on Earth make up organisms and carry out life processes Without carbon, life as we know it could not exist. carbon atoms can form a tremendous variety of very large and complex molecules.

Macromolecules Large organic molecules that are composed of smaller organic molecules linked together. There are four classes of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates Function-primary source of energy Elements it contains- Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen Examples- Pasta, cereal, fruits, vegetables

Lipids Functions- long term energy storage ,component of cell membranes Elements it contains- Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen Examples- Fats, oils, waxes, steroids, hormones A gram of lipids supplies more than twice as much energy as a gram of carbohydrates or proteins.

Types of Lipids Triglycerides-main form of stored energy in animals. Fat Phospholipids-major component of cell membranes Steroids (or sterols) Important part of cell membranes Other vital roles in the body such as male and female sex hormones

Proteins Functions- provides cell structure, Speed up chemical reactions (enzymes) Elements it contains- Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Sulfur Examples- Muscle, enzymes Proteins are made of smaller units called amino acids There are 20 different common amino acids needed to make proteins. Humans are able to synthesize all but nine

Protein

Nucleic Acids Function- Carry genetic information Elements it contains- Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorus Examples- DNA, RNA Made of smaller units called nucleotides Living cells and viruses are made from these This is how our genetic material is passed… like a blue print!