Molecules present in living organisms.
Most are organic molecules - containing carbon
Carbon, Oxygen, hydrogen, and nitrogen make up >96% of human's body mass
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Macromolecules of Life
Large molecules made of smaller subunits joined together
4 Basic Molecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acid
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Building Macromolecules
Except for lipids, macromolecules exist in 2 forms
Monomer - simplest unit
Polymer - Large molecule made of repeating monomers
Polymers become monomers by adding water
Monomers become polymers by removing water
*Dehydration Synthesis: Used to join monomers to make polymers
*Hydrolysis: Used to break polymers to make monomers
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Let's explore the 4 Macromolecules
The structure
a. Elements needed
b. Monomer
c. Polymer
2. Function
3. Examples
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Macromolecule 1
Carbohydrates
Elements included: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen (C6 H12 O6)
Monomer: Monosaccharide - means one sugar
Polymer: Polysaccharide - means many sugars
Disaccharide - means two sugars
Functions:
Provides short term energy
Primary source of energy
Structural Support
Found in shells, exoskeletons, and cell walls.
Examples:
Sugars and starches
Pasta, bread, rice, milk, fruits, and vegetables
If it ends in "ose", it is a sugar
Pie de foto: : Monomer of Carbohydrate or a Monosaccharide
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Macromolecule 2
Lipids
Elements included: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
Monomer: Lipid (Glycerol heads and fatty acid chains)
Polymer: Lipids do not form polymers
Functions:
Long term energy storage
More efficient energy than carbohydrates
Water barrier/insulator
Cell membrane made of phospholipids
Examples
Fats and Oils
Triglycerides
Waxes
Steroids
Proteins
Elements needed: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and SOMETIMES sulfur
Monomer: Amino acid
Polymer: Polypeptide - proteins are chains of amino acids held together by a peptide bond
Functions:
Building and connecting living things such as collagen, that forms bone, tendons, and cartilage
Takes part in chemical reactions such as enzymes
Source of energy
Examples:
Meats
Nuts
Eggs
Beans
Nucleic Acid
Elements needed: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Phosphorous
Monomer: Nucleotide - consists of a phosphate group, a sugar, and a nitrogenous base
Polymer: Many nucleotides
Functions:
Carry genetic material
Energy Carrier
Examples:
DNA
RNA
ATP
Pie de foto: : Monomer of Nucleic Acid or a Nucleotide
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Enzymes
Chemical Reactions form new substances by breaking and forming chemical bonds
Chemical reactions change the way molecules are arranged
Reactants: present at the beginning of the reaction
Products: substances formed by the chemical reaction
Example: Combustions
CH4 + 2O2 -> 2H2O
Reactants -> Products
Enzymes' quaternary structure helps them function
Active site* that complements the substrate/reactant
Speeds up chemical reactions - Catalyst
Chemical reactions happen no matter what. Enzymes do not cause reactions, but they speed things up.
* Has to match the reactants
Step 1: Substrates bind to an enzyme at certain places called active sites.
Step 2: The enzyme brings substrates together and weakens their bonds.
Step 3: The catalyzed reaction forms a product that is released from the enzyme.
Activation Energy: Energy it takes for a reaction to occur
Enzymes lower the activation energy
If enzymes quaternary structure is denatured (altered), it cannot function
Change in temperature
Change in pH
Substrate (reactant) concentration also has an effect on enzyme activity.