Macromolecules
August 16, 2013
Objectives
 Identify macromolecule type from pictures
or models
 Describe the functions of macromolecules
 Identify examples of the four
macromolecules found in the human body
 Use models to represent the
macromolecules
Macromolecules
Macromolecules are large organic molecules
that consist of chains of repeating subunits
called monomers.
Macromolecule Monomer
Monosaccharides
Fatty acids
Amino acids
Nucleotides
Macromolecules
Macromolecules are large organic molecules
that consist of chains of repeating subunits
called monomers.
Macromolecule Monomer
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Monosaccharides
Fatty acids
Amino acids
Nucleotides
Carbohydrates
• All have formula: CnH2nOn
• Classified as
• Monosaccharides (one)
• Disaccharides (two)
• Polysaccharids (many)
• Function in humans:
Energy storage
Glucose (monosaccharide)
Monosaccharides
Glucose –
used to transport
energy through the
blood to all cells in the
body
Ribose –
found in nucleic acids
Monosaccharides
Glucose –
used to transport
energy through the
blood to all cells in the
body
Ribose –
found in nucleic acids
glucose
ribose
Disaccharides
Lactose
• Found in milk
Polysaccharides
Glycogen
• Used for energy
storage in liver &
muscles
• Made of glucose
molecules
Carbohydrate Quick
Review
1) What are the 3 types of carbohydrates?
2) What is the main function of carbohydrates in
humans?
3) How will you recognize a carbohydrate?
Lipids
Diverse, but all are non-polar (thus hydrophobic)
Type
Function
Triglycerides (fats & Oils) Energy storage, insulation
Steroids (including
cholesterol)
Hormones, part of cell membrane
Phospholipids
Chief component of cell Membrane;
Covers Nerves
Vitamins (A, E, K)
Vital for many functions
Triglycerides Fun Facts
What’s the difference between … Oils vs. Fats?
Triglycerides Fun Facts
What’s the difference between … Oils vs. Fats?
Oils are liquid at room temperature,
while fats are solid.
Triglycerides Fun Facts
What’s the difference between …
Saturated and Unsaturated Fats?
Triglycerides Fun Facts
What’s the difference between …
Saturated and Unsaturated Fats?
Saturated fats are “saturated” with hydrogens and
thus form a straight chain. Unsaturated fats have
some double bonds, and thus are bent.
Energy Storage:
Lipids Vs. Carbs
LIPIDS
 Usually long-term
 More energy dense
 Cannot be easily
transported
 Doesn’t impact
osmotic balance
 Less easily digested
Carbs
 Usually short-term
 Less energy dense
 Can be transported
 Impacts osmotic
balance
 More easily
digested
Lipid Quick Review
1. What property do all Lipids share?
2. Name 3 examples of lipids in the
body.
3. Why would we store excess energy
as Fat, rather than carbohydrates?
Amino Acids
Proteins are folded-up chains of amino acids.
There are 20
commonly
occurring
amino acids.
Protein structure
Functions of Proteins
Function
Example
Details
Shape
Enzymes
lactase
Breaks down lactose
globular
Movement
myosin & actin
Slide past each other to
cause muscle contraction
Fibrous
Transport
hemoglobin
Carries oxygen in blood
globular
Structural
collagen
Tough fiber that provides
strength
Fibrous
Hormones
insulin
Regulates blood sugar
globular
Defense
immunoglobins
Antibodies
globular
Partial list only!
Nucleic Acids
DNA: Genetic
Information
RNA:
Transcribes
and translates
DNA to make
proteins
Nucleotide structure
Each nucleotide has three parts:
 A phosphate group
 A sugar
 A nitrogenous base (A, C, T, or G)
ATP
The energy Currency of the Cell
Stop & Jot, then Share
1. Which macromolecule has the
most complex structure? Why do
you say that?
2. Which macromolecule has the
most diversity of functions?
Quick Review
Identify the macromolecule and
Function






RNA
Phospholipid
Glycogen
Collagen
Lactose
Insulin