1. Lactase
Function: Enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of lactose (the main sugar found in milk) into glucose and galactose
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): amino acids

2. Hemoglobin
Function: Found in blood cells of almost all vertebrate animals, it is used to carry oxygen for distribution to body’s cells
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): amino acids

3. Antibody
Function: Identify foreign objects (such as bacteria and viruses) and tag them for removal by the immune system
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): amino acids

4. Actin
Function: Involved in many cellular functions including movement, transport and division
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): amino acids

5. Lactose
Function: Molecule in milk that makes it taste sweet. Provides short term energy for mammalian infants.
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): monosaccharides glucose and galactose

6. Starch Function: Main energy storage molecule in plants Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

7. Glycogen Function: Main energy storage molecule in animals
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

8. Chitin
Function: Polysaccharide used for structural purposes in the exoskeletons or shells of many invertebrate animals.
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

9. Cellulose
Function: Polysaccharide used for structural purposes in plants
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

10. Wax
Function:
Waterproof covering found on leaves, feathers, and insect cuticles
Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a long-chain alcohol and a fatty acid

11. Oils & Fats
Function:
Long term energy storage. Also play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin & hair, protecting body organs and maintaining body temperature
Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a glycerol and fatty acids

12. Phospholipids Function:
Major component in cell membranes that helps maintain internal environment that is different than the environment outside the cell.
Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a phosphate group and 2 fatty acids

13. DNA Function: Polymer? Yes Subunits (monomers):
Carries genetic (hereditary) information for traits by providing code for protein synthesis
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers):
4 nucleotides (A, T, C, G)

14. mRNA
Function:
Carries the code for a trait from the nucleus to the ribosomes (site of protein synthesis)
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers):
4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)

15. tRNA
Function:
Delivers amino acids to a ribosome during protein synthesis
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers):
4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)

16. rRNA
Function:
Structural component of ribosomes. Helps formation of bonds during protein synthesis
Polymer? Yes
Subunits (monomers):
4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)