Biomolecules
Macromolecules are large molecules made from thousands or even hundreds of thousands of
smaller molecules.
 Formed by polymerization- the building of large compounds by joining smaller ones
together.
 Monomers- the smaller compounds.
 Polymers- the larger compounds.
 Four groups or macromolecules or organic compounds are carbohydrates, lipids,
proteins and nucleic acids.
 Also called biomolecules & macronutrients
Carbohydrates are compounds made up of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O) atoms.
 Monosaccharides- single sugar molecules. Examples: glucose and galactose-found in
milk, fructose-found in fruits.
 Disaccarides – double sugar molecules. Examples: sucrose
 Polysaccharides- large sugars formed from monosaccharides (many monosaccarides
put together). Examples: glycogen-sugar storage molecule in animals, cellulosestructural support in plants.
 Importance:
o Living things use it as the main energy source.
o Help body remove fats
o Reduces blood cholesterol & sugar
 Food Sources:
o Grains, breads, cereals, pastas, fruits & veggies
Lipids are made mostly from carbon (C), oxygen (O) and hydrogen (H) atoms.
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Generally not soluble in water.
Also called fats
Consist of fats, oils and waxes, also steroids.
Importance:
o Used to store energy
o Transport vitamins
o Important parts of biological membranes
o Thermal protection
o Waterproof coverings (EX: Ear Wax)
 Food Sources:
o Oils (corn, peanut, canola), cheese, whole milk, meat
Proteins are made up of nitrogen (N), carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).
 Formed from monomers called amino acids.
 Amino acids- compounds with an amino group (-NH2) on one end and a carboxyl
group (-COOH) on the other end with a side chain called an “R-group”
 Importance:
o Control the rate of reactions (Enzymes)
o Growth & repair body tissues (EX: muscles, bones, & blood)
o Transport substance in & out of cells
o Create antibodies to help fight disease
 Too much Protein:
o Inhibits muscle growth
o Weakens bones
o Damages kidneys
 Food Sources: meats, seeds, beans, & dairy products
Nucleic Acids are made up of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus.
 Formed from monomers called nucleotides.
 Nucleotides- made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.
 Store and transmit hereditary or genetic information.
 RNA-ribonucleic acid, contains the sugar ribose.
 DNA-deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the sugar deoxyribose.