Macromolecules
Slide # 2
Molecules
1. Molecule: 2 or more
atoms chemically bonded
together
a. The atoms may be the
same such as in the O2
molecule
b. The atoms may be
different such as in the
CO2 or H20 molecule
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Slide # 3
Biomolecules
1. Organic molecule: usually produced by an organism

EX: fats, proteins, & sugars

carbon based
2. Inorganic molecule: does not contain more than 1
carbon atom

EX: H2O, NaCl, CO2
3. Biomolecule: a large molecule produced by a living
thing

EX: carbohydrate, lipid, protein, nucleic acid

All have more than 1 carbon atom, they are all
organic molecules.
Slide # 4
Monomers and Polymers
Polymers: larger Monomer: small Elements &
molecule made
units; join & make ratio of
from monomers
larger molecules
elements
Carbohydrates
Monosachharides
(polysachharides)
C, H, O
Ratio: CH2O
Lipids
Fatty acids &
glycerol
C, H, O Ratio:
CH2 very sm # of O
Proteins
Amino acids (20
different ones)
Nucleotides (5
different ones)
C, H, O, N, (S)
Nucleic acids
C, H, O, N, & P
Slide # 5
Carbohydrates
1. Monomer: Monosaccharides:
a. Glucose, galactose, fructose
2. Functions:
a. main source of energy (glucose)
b. Animal store excess glucose as glycogen.
c. Plants store excess glucose as starch
d. Plants use cellulose (complex carbohydrate)
to strengthen cell walls
e. Human use cellulose for fiber in the diet
4. Diet: Fruits, vegetables, breads, & cereals
Slide # 8
Disaccharides
1. Disaccharides are small sugars made up of 2
monomer subunits
2. Examples:
a. Sucrose (Table sugar) = glucose + fructose
b. Lactose (milk sugar) = glucose + galactose
c. Maltose = glucose + glucose
Sucrose
Lactose
Slide # 9
Complex Carbohydrates
1. Long chains of sugars
2. Three common carbs are
starch, cellulose, and
glycogen
3. All 3 are composed of only
glucose
4. Different only in the
bonding arrangement
between glucose
subunits
Plants store glucose as starch
Forms cells walls in plants
We can’t digest this!
We store glucose as glycogen
in our muscle cells!
Slide # 6
Dehydration Synthesis
Monomers are covalently
bonded to form polymers
2. Covalent bonds between
monomers always form by
dehydration synthesis
(making something while
losing water)
3. During digestion, water
MUST be added to break the
covalent bonds to separate
individual monomers
1.
Slide # 7
Hydrolysis
1. Hydrolysis: adding water to break a larger
molecule into a smaller molecule
1 water molecule is needed in order to break 1 sucrose
molecule into glucose and fructose
Slide # 10
Lipids
1. Monomers: fatty acids & glycerol
2. Lipids are not soluble in water. This is because
water is polar and most lipids are nonpolar.
3. Nonpolar substances are unable to form
hydrogen bonds with water (they don’t mix with
water)
4. Functions:
a. Store energy (body fat)
b. Make up biological membranes and
waterproof coverings
c. Some serve as chemical messengers
(steroids)
5. Diet: oils – plants b. Fats – animal fat
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Slide # 11
Saturated & Unsaturated Fats
1. Saturated fats: raise blood
cholesterol
a. Should be limited as much as
possible
2. Unsaturated fats: help lower blood
cholesterol if they replace saturated
fats
Slide # 12
Proteins
1. Monomers: amino acids (20 different kinds!)
2. Structure: made of long chains of amino acids
that fold into complex 3-D shapes
-- Shape of protein determines its function
3. Functions of Proteins
a. Proteins form muscles and hair
b. Control chemical reactions (enzymes)
c. Help fight disease (anitbodies)
d. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells
that carries O2 to body cells
4. Diet: meat, beans, eggs, milk, nuts
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Slide # 14
Nucleic Acids
1. Monomer: nucleotide
2. Types & Functions:
a. DNA (stores our genetic
information)
b. RNA (transmits the genetic
code to help the body make
proteins)
4. Diet: found in unprocessed
foods (fresh fruits & vegetables
& meats)