Biology Chapter: Carbon and Macromolecules

Study Notes

Carbon's Importance for Life

Carbon's unique bonding properties allow it to form the complex structures essential for life on Earth.
Carbon atoms form the backbone of many biological molecules, making them crucial for energy storage, genetic information, and structural support.

Macromolecule Composition

Proteins: Composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. May also contain sulfur.
Carbohydrates: Composed primarily of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
Lipids: Primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, with smaller amounts of oxygen.
Nucleic Acids: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus.

Macromolecule Structures

Proteins: Chains of amino acids linked by peptide bonds. The specific sequence of amino acids determines a protein's unique three-dimensional shape. Complex shapes are crucial for function.
Carbohydrates: Simple sugars (monosaccharides) can form linear or ring structures, and can link to form more complex sugars (disaccharides and polysaccharides). These structures vary greatly.
Lipids: Generally composed of fatty acid chains and glycerol. Some lipids form ring structures (like cholesterol). Various shapes and sizes depending on the type of lipid.
Nucleic Acids: Chains of nucleotides that form a double helix (DNA) or single strands (RNA).

Macromolecule Functions

Proteins: A wide array of functions, including catalyzing reactions (enzymes), transporting molecules (hemoglobin), providing structural support (collagen), and coordinating cellular activities (hormones).
Carbohydrates: Primary source of energy for the body. Also provide structural support, such as cellulose in plant cell walls.
Lipids: Store energy, form cell membranes (phospholipids & cholesterol), and act as hormones & insulation.
Nucleic Acids: Carry genetic information (DNA) and direct protein synthesis (RNA).

Types of Lipids

Cholesterol: A type of steroid lipid.
Phospholipids: Form the cell membrane bilayer.
Triglycerides: Store energy.

Carbohydrate Classification

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose, galactose). Single-unit sugars.
Disaccharides: Formed by joining two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose). Two-unit sugars.
Polysaccharides: Formed by joining many monosaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen). Long chains of sugars. Visual differences in these structures are key to distinguishing them.

Protein Roles

Structural components like collagen;
Catalysts (enzymes) speeding up reactions;
Hormones coordinating body functions;
Transport proteins allowing movement of substances;
Antibodies fighting off infection.

Macromolecule Monomers

Proteins: Amino acids
Carbohydrates: Monosaccharides
Lipids: Glycerol & fatty acids
Nucleic Acids: Nucleotides

Molecular Drawings (Phospholipid, Cholesterol, Glycerol, and Amino Acid chain)

See a suitable diagram/illustration. (You can't create a drawing here).

Amino Acid Chains

A chain of amino acids is called a polypeptide or protein.

Amino Acid Bonds

Peptide bonds link amino acids together.

Amino Acid Bonding Ends

The amino group (NH2) of one amino acid bonds to the carboxyl group (COOH) of another.

Sickle Cell Anemia Protein

The protein hemoglobin is affected. A single amino acid substitution (valine for glutamic acid) alters the protein's shape and function.

Sickle Cell Anemia Cause & Effect

The altered hemoglobin causes red blood cells to become rigid and sickle-shaped. This hinders oxygen transport because the abnormal shape reduces the cell's flexibility. Red bloods can't squeeze through capillaries effectively, reducing oxygen delivery to body's tissues.

Ring-like Macromolecule

Lipids, specifically steroids like cholesterol, have ring-like structures. Some carbohydrates can form ring shapes as well.

Monosaccharide vs. Polysaccharide

Structural Difference: Monosaccharides are single sugar units; polysaccharides are long chains of monosaccharides linked together.
Functional Difference: Monosaccharides are direct energy sources; polysaccharides can store energy (starch, glycogen) or provide structural support (cellulose)

Monosaccharide Function

Immediate energy source.

Polysaccharide Function

Energy storage (starch, glycogen) and structural support (cellulose).

Common Examples

Monosaccharides: Glucose, fructose, galactose
Disaccharides: Sucrose, lactose, maltose
Polysaccharides: Starch, cellulose, glycogen

Cellulose Function

Provides structural support in plant cell walls.

Glycogen Function

Stores glucose for energy in animals.

Lipid Function

Main function is energy storage. Also critical for forming cell membranes.

Fatty Acid Types

Saturated (all single bonds)
Unsaturated (one or more double bonds)

Lipid Types

Triglycerides
Phospholipids
Steroids

Cell Membrane Structure

Fluid mosaic model. Phospholipid bilayer with embedded proteins and cholesterol.
Protein Function: Transport molecules, act as receptors for signaling, and maintain cell structure.
Cholesterol Function: Reinforces the membrane structure, maintaining its fluidity and preventing it from becoming overly rigid or too fluid.

Description

Explore the vital role of carbon in life forms and its significance in macromolecules. This quiz delves into the composition and structure of various biological molecules, including proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Test your understanding of how these molecules interact and function in living organisms.

Biology Chapter: Carbon and Macromolecules

Choose a study mode

Podcast

Questions and Answers

Which type of lipid is cholesterol categorized as?

Polysaccharides are made up of only one type of sugar molecule.

What is the main job of monosaccharides?

A chain of amino acids is called a ______.

Match the common polysaccharides with their functions:

Which reaction connects amino acids together in proteins?

The structure of the protein does not affect its function.

What are the monomers of carbohydrates?

Cellulose is primarily found in ______.

Which of the following describes the primary function of lipids?