State Standard
SB1C – Identify the function of the four
major macromolecules (carbohydrates,
proteins, lipids, & nucleic acids)
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Carbon – The Element of Life
 The element carbon is a
component of almost all
biological molecules.
 For this reason, life on
earth is considered
carbon-based.
 All organic compounds
contain carbon.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Carbon – The Element of Life – Cont’d
 Carbon has four electrons in its outermost
energy level.
 One carbon atom can form four covalent bonds with
other atoms.
 Carbon compounds can be in the shape of straight
chains, branched chains, and rings.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Macromolecules - AKA Organic Molecules
 Macromolecules are large organic molecules
formed by joining smaller organic molecules
together.
 There are 4 macromolecules that form the
structure & function of every living thing:
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, & nucleic
acids.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Macromolecules - Cont’d
 Macromolecules are polymers.
 Polymers are molecules made from repeating
units of identical or nearly identical compounds
linked together by a series of covalent bonds.
 Each macromolecule has specific monomers
(small molecules) as its building blocks.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Carbohydrates
 Functions:
 Main energy source for all organisms
 Structural component of cell walls
 Signal receiver on plasma membrane
 Building Block/Monomer: Monosaccharides
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Carbohydrates – Cont’d
 Structure:
 Made of carbon, hydrogen, & oxygen in a ratio
of 1:2:1
 Form rings, straight chains, or branched chains
 3 groups of Carbs:
 Monosaccharides (simple/single sugars)
 Oligosaccharides (chain of a few sugars)
 Polysaccharides (chain of many sugars)
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Carbohydrates – Cont’d
 Examples:
 Sugars
 Starches
 Glucose, Fructose, Lactose, Sucrose
 Cellulose
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Lipids
 Functions:
 Long-term energy storage
 Barriers (e.g. - plasma membrane)
 Waterproof coatings
 Building Block/Monomer: Glycerols w/ fatty
acid tails
 Insoluble in water due to nonpolarity
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Lipids Cont’d
 Structure:
 More carbon-hydrogen bonds & fewer oxygen
atoms than carbohydrates
 3 groups of Lipids:
 Fats
 Oils
 Waxes
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Lipids – Cont’d
 Examples:
 Cutin (helps plants retain water)
 Butter
 Vegetable Oil
 Cholesterol
 Steroids
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Proteins
 Functions:
 Muscle contraction
 Transport of materials
 Immune system
 Structural building block
 Speed up reactions
 Building Block/Monomer: Amino Acids
 Most diverse macromolecule!
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Proteins Cont’d
 Structure:
 Large & complex
 Long chains made of carbon, hydrogen,
oxygen, nitrogen, & sometimes sulfur
 Examples:
 Muscle, skin, hair, nails
 Collagen
 Enzymes
 Hemoglobin
 Insulin
 Antibodies
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Proteins Cont’d
 The number and the order in which the amino acids
are joined define the protein’s primary structure.
 After an amino acid chain is formed, it folds into a
unique three-dimensional shape, which is the protein’s
secondary structure, such as a helix or a pleat.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Nucleic Acids
 Functions:
 Store & transmit genetic information in the form
of a code
 Building Block/Monomer: Nucleotides
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 The Building Blocks of Life
Nucleic Acids Cont’d
 Structure:
 A nucleotide is composed of a sugar, a
phosphate group, and a nitrogen-containing
base
 Examples:
 DNA
 RNA
 ATP
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
Which element do almost all biological
molecules contain?
A. carbon
B. nitrogen
C. phosphorus
D. sodium
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
How many covalent bonds can carbon form
with other atoms?
A. 1
B. 2
C. 4
D. 8
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
What type of biological molecule is an
enzyme?
A. hormone
B. nucleic acid
C. protein
D. steroid
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
What are fats, oils, and waxes composed of?
A. lipids
B. nucleotides
C. polypeptides
D. sugars
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
What are the monomers that make up
proteins?
A. amino acids
B. fatty acids
C. glycerols
D. nucleotides
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
6.4 Formative
Questions
Which biological molecule transports
substances between cells?
A. carbohydrate
B. lipid
C. nucleic acid
D. protein
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Standardized Test
Practice
What do cellulose and chitin have in common?
A. They are energy-storing polymers.
B. They are found in the cells of animals.
C. They are structural polysaccharides.
D. They are composed of repeating
sucrose units.
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Standardized Test
Practice
Which polysaccharide stores energy in muscle
and liver tissue?
A. gluten
B. glycogen
C. starch
D. sucrolose
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Standardized Test
Practice
What is the function
of this biological
macromolecule?
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Standardized Test
Practice
A. communicate signals between cells
B. produce vitamins and hormones
C. provide support and protection
D. store and transmit genetic information
Chapter 6
Chemistry in Biology
Standardized Test
Practice
Which is a characteristic of all lipids?
A. They are saturated triglycerides.
B. They do not dissolve in water.
C. They are liquid at room temperature.
D. They store less energy than
carbohydrates.