GUIDED NOTES – MACROMOLECULES
Name:______________________________________________
Objectives
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Identify macromolecule type from pictures or models
Describe the functions of macromolecules
Identify examples of the four macromolecules found in the human body
Macromolecules are large organic molecules that consist of chains of repeating subunits called
___________________________.
Macromolecule
Monomer
Saccharides
Fatty acids (sort of)
Amino acids
Nucleotides
Carbohydrates
All have the formula: _______________________________
Classified as:
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
___________________________________________________
Function in humans: ___________________________________
Monosaccharide examples:
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Glucose______________________________________________________________
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Ribose _______________________________________________________________
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glucose
Disaccharide example
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Lactose __________________________________________________________
Polysaccharide example

Glycogen ___________________________________________________________
Lipids
Diverse, but all are non-polar (thus hydrophobic)
What does this mean???
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Type
Function
Triglycerides (fats & Oils)
Steroids (including
cholesterol)
Phospholipids
Vitamins (A, E, K)
Energy storage – lipids vs carbs
LIPIDS
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Usually long-term
More energy dense
Cannot be easily transported
Doesn’t impact osmotic balance
Less easily digested
Carbs
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Usually short-term
Less energy dense
Can be transported
Impacts osmotic balance
More easily digested
Proteins
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Proteins are complexly folded chains of amino acids. There are 20 different amino acids which can be
arranged in any order, leading to an incredible diversity of structure.
Function
Example
Details
Enzymes
Breaks down lactose
Movement
Slide past each other to cause muscle
contraction
Transport
Carries oxygen in blood
Structural
Tough fiber that provides strength
Hormones
Regulates blood sugar
Defense
Antibodies
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Nucleic Acids
DNA: Genetic Information
RNA: Transcribes and translates DNA to make proteins
Each nucleotide has three parts:
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A phosphate group
A sugar
A nitrogenous base (A, C, T, or G)
ATP – the energy currency of the cell
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