MACROMOLECULES
SC.912.L.18.1: Describe the basic
molecular structures and primary
functions of the four major categories of
biological macromolecules.
HOOK: What did you eat for breakfast
today?
MACROMOLECULES
Click HERE to see the misconceptions that you students
may have about food and energy.
1. Overview of Macromolecules
Class discussion: What molecules
are we looking to obtain when we
eat?
Activating Prior knowledge:
Student already know what a
molecule is from studying the
properties of water.
1. Students are given a list of different molecules present in
food. It may include vitamins, fat, sugar, protein, water, etc…
2. Teacher explains that some molecules are complex (large) and
called macromolecules.
3. Student learn that they are 4 major macromolecules: lipids,
carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Goal: By the end of the of this unit
you will be able to describe,
proteins, carbohydrates, lipids.
This unit will help you understand the make-up of
complex molecules.
2. Help students remember the
elements of focus.
25 of the 100+ elements in the
world are essential for life.
– SPONCH elements are the most biologically
important.
The most important elements for life.
Copyright © 2010 Ryan P. Murphy
• SPONCH molecules make
– Carbohydrates (CHO) 1:2:1
– Protein (ONCH)
– Lipids (fat) (CH with a few O)
– Nucleic Acids DNA (PONCH)
3. Help students remember CARBON
in Organic Chemistry
– Carbon is the duct tape of life. It holds living thing
together.
Reading Organic (carbon) Compound
1. Each angle is a carbon.
2. Hydrogen atoms next to a carbon are NOT shown.
3. Any other atoms are shown ( O and N)
4. Macromolecule Superhero Fact
Chart ACTIVITY
Students will complete a fact chart to describe the
structure
and
function
of
the
different
macromolecules.
Superheroes will be used as a memorable activity
Carbohydrate- Shazam
COMPOSITION: CHO
MONOMER
(small):
monosacharride
POLYMER
(large):
disaccharide
or
polysaccharide
Function: Energy
How to recognize them: RING with
O (oxygen) in one corner
Tend to end in -Ose (Glucose)
Carbohydrates
Simple
Complex
Monosaccharides
Polysaccharides
Fructose, Glucose
(Fruit and Sugar)
Starch, Cellulose
(Grains, Plant Cell Walls)
Resources
BrainPop Carbohydrates
(requires subscription)
The Glucose Song
LIPIDS- The Blob
COMPOSITION:
MONOMER
POLYMER
Function:
How to recognize it:
Resource
PROTEINS- The Hulk
COMPOSITION:
MONOMER
POLYMER
Function:
How to recognize it:
Nucleic Acid - Superman
COMPOSITION:
MONOMER
POLYMER
Function:
How to recognize it:
Resource