State Standard SB1C – Identify the function of the four major macromolecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, & nucleic acids)

Carbon – The Element of Life  The element carbon is a component of almost all biological molecules.  For this reason, life on earth is considered carbon-based.  All organic compounds contain carbon. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chemistry in Biology Chapter 6

Macromolecules - AKA Organic Molecules Chemistry in Biology  Macromolecules are large organic molecules formed by joining smaller organic molecules together.  There are 4 macromolecules that form the structure & function of every living thing: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, & nucleic acids. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Macromolecules - Cont’d Chemistry in Biology  Macromolecules are polymers.  Polymers are molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds linked together by a series of covalent bonds.  Each macromolecule has specific monomers (small molecules) as its building blocks. 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Carbohydrates  Functions:  Main energy source for all organisms  Structural component of cell walls  Signal receiver on plasma membrane  Building Block/Monomer: Monosaccharides 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Carbohydrates – Cont’d  Examples:  Sugars  Starches  Glucose, Fructose, Lactose, Sucrose  Cellulose 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Lipids  Functions:  Long-term energy storage  Barriers (e.g. - plasma membrane)  Waterproof coatings  Building Block/Monomer: Glycerols w/ fatty acid tails  Insoluble in water due to nonpolarity 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Lipids Cont’d  Structure:  More carbon-hydrogen bonds & fewer oxygen atoms than carbohydrates  3 groups of Lipids:  Fats  Oils  Waxes 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Lipids – Cont’d  Examples:  Cutin (helps plants retain water)  Butter  Vegetable Oil  Cholesterol  Steroids 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Proteins  Functions:  Muscle contraction  Transport of materials  Immune system  Structural building block  Speed up reactions  Building Block/Monomer: Amino Acids  Most diverse macromolecule! 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Proteins Cont’d  Structure:  Large & complex  Long chains made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, & sometimes sulfur  Examples:  Muscle, skin, hair, nails  Collagen  Enzymes  Hemoglobin  Insulin  Antibodies 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Nucleic Acids  Functions:  Store & transmit genetic information in the form of a code  Building Block/Monomer: Nucleotides 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Nucleic Acids Cont’d  Structure:  A nucleotide is composed of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing base  Examples:  DNA  RNA  ATP 6.4 The Building Blocks of Life Chapter 6

Chemistry in Biology Chapter 6

A. carbon B. nitrogen C. phosphorus D. sodium Which element do almost all biological molecules contain? Chemistry in Biology 6.4 Formative Questions Chapter 6

A. hormone B. nucleic acid C. protein D. steroid What type of biological molecule is an enzyme? Chemistry in Biology 6.4 Formative Questions Chapter 6

A. lipids B. nucleotides C. polypeptides D. sugars What are fats, oils, and waxes composed of? Chemistry in Biology 6.4 Formative Questions Chapter 6

A. amino acids B. fatty acids C. glycerols D. nucleotides What are the monomers that make up proteins? Chemistry in Biology 6.4 Formative Questions Chapter 6

A. carbohydrate B. lipid C. nucleic acid D. protein Which biological molecule transports substances between cells? Chemistry in Biology 6.4 Formative Questions Chapter 6