Biology Class: Macromolecules Overview

### Carbohydrates

• The building block of carbohydrates is the monosaccharide glucose.
• Monosaccharides are single sugar units.
• Disaccharides are two sugar units.
• Polysaccharides are made up of many sugar units.
• Polysaccharides include glycogen, starch and fiber.

Lipids

• The building block of lipids is a fatty acid.
• Triglycerides are fats that store energy for the body.
• Phospholipids are important components of cell membranes.
• Steroids are lipids that function as important hormones.

### Proteins

• The building block of proteins are amino acids.
• Essential amino acids must be consumed through diet as the body cannot produce them.
• Proteins have a variety of important functions, including building and repairing tissues, enzymes, structure, and hormones.

### Nucleic Acids

• Nucleic acids store and deliver information in the body.
• The two types of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.
• The building block of nucleic acids is a nucleotide.

### Cellular Structures

• The plasma membrane is the outer covering of a cell, composed primarily of phospholipids.
• The cytoplasm includes the cytosol and organelles.
• The nucleus contains DNA, the genetic material of the cell.
• The nucleolus is responsible for making ribosomes.
• Ribosomes are responsible for protein synthesis.
• The rough endoplasmic reticulum (ER) modifies proteins.
• The smooth ER is responsible for synthesizing carbohydrates and lipids.
• The Golgi apparatus packages and ships proteins.
• Mitochondria are responsible for energy production in the cell, using oxygen to generate ATP.
• Lysosomes break down bacteria and old organelles.
• Microvilli are small projections that increase surface area for absorption, found in the digestive tract.
• Cilia are hair-like projections that aid in movement, found in the respiratory tract.
• Flagella are tail-like projections that aid in movement, found in sperm cells.

### Cellular Processes

• Anabolism is the process of building up molecules.
• Catabolism is the process of breaking down molecules.
• Aerobic respiration occurs in the mitochondria with the presence of oxygen, producing a large amount of ATP, and releasing carbon dioxide as a byproduct.
• Anaerobic respiration occurs in the absence of oxygen, does not produce significant energy and results in the production of lactic acid.
• Ketones are waste products produced from the breakdown of fat.
• Urea is a waste product produced from the breakdown of protein.

### Cell Division

• Interphase is the period when the cell is performing its normal functions.
• Mitosis is a form of cell division where a single cell divides into two identical daughter cells, each with 46 chromosomes. This process is important for cell regeneration and growth.

This quiz covers the fundamental macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. It explores their building blocks, functions, and significance in biological systems. Test your knowledge on the basic structure and roles of these essential biomolecules.