The Macromolecules of Life

Carbon 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 & Polymers Monomer = Greek ‘mono’ & ‘meros’ Polymer = ‘polu’ & ‘meros’

Carbohydrates Functions: Main energy source Stored as reserve energy supplies Composes plant cell walls 3 types of carbohydrates: Monosaccharides Disaccharides Polysaccharides

Monosaccharides 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

Disaccharides 2 simple sugar building blocks Sucrose: table sugar Maltose: malt sugar Lactose: milk sugar

Polysaccharides Many 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

Carbohydrates Contains the elements……. Sucrose is a disaccharide H 2 SO 4 + C 12 H 22 O 11  12C + 11H 2 O Sulfuric Acid + sucrose yields carbon solid & water vapor!

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: 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

Phospholipids Components of cell membrane

Steroids Variety 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

Waxes Waterproofing agent Protective covering on leaves Bees secrete wax

Proteins (Polypeptide) Functions: Structural material Control metabolism Communication, transportation, defense Movement Third energy source

Proteins Types: 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

Proteins Types: 4. Hemoglobin: transports oxygen throughout bloodstream 5. Antibodies: substances that protect animals against disease 6. Actin & myosin: muscle movement

Proteins 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 Acids Function: 1.Stores information 2.Controls cell activities 3.Large role in heredity

Nucleic Acids 1.DNA: Stores information in a code – directs cells to construct proteins 2.RNA: help synthesize proteins Contain the elements C, H, O, N, P