Biology Macromolecules Overview

Macromolecules

• Large molecules found in all living things
• Made up of carbon and are responsible for biological function

Polymer Structure

• Monomers: Small subunit molecules
• Polymers: Large, complex structures made of monomers

Polymer Formation and Breakdown

• Dehydration reaction: Forms polymers by linking monomers together, removing a water molecule
• Hydrolysis: Breaks down polymers into monomers, adding a water molecule to break bonds

Carbohydrates

• Function: Short-term energy storage, structural support, transport, signaling
• Found in sugars and starches
• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• Monomer: Monosaccharides (single sugar molecules)
  • Example: Glucose (main fuel for cells)
• Polymer: Polysaccharides (large sugar molecules)
  • Example: Starch (how plants store sugar)
• Energy storage: 4 calories per gram

Lipids

• Function: Long-term energy storage, insulation, protection, structure
• Found in fats, oils, phospholipids, steroids
• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
• Monomer: Fatty acids
• Polymer: Triglycerides
• Energy storage: 9 calories per gram

Phospholipids

• Special type of lipid
• Structure: Two fatty acids and one phosphate group
  • Hydrophilic (water-loving) head: Phosphate group
  • Hydrophobic (water-hating) tail: Fatty acids
• Phospholipid bilayer: Two layers make up the cell membrane
  • Selectively permeable membrane

Proteins

• Function: Diverse functions including:
  • Enzyme control
  • Hormone regulation
  • Structural support
  • Transport
  • Immune system defense
  • Movement
  • Cell signaling
  • Energy source
• Found in meats, nuts, dairy products, and produced by the body
• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur
• Monomer: Amino acids
• Polymer: Polypeptide (amino acids linked by peptide bonds)
• Energy storage: 4 calories per gram

Protein Structure

• Four levels of structure:
  • Primary Structure: Amino acid sequence
  • Secondary Structure: Local folding patterns (alpha helix, beta sheet)
  • Tertiary Structure: Three-dimensional shape of a single polypeptide chain
  • Quaternary Structure: Arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains
• Structure dictates function

Nucleic Acids

• Function: Information molecules that store, transmit, and express genetic information; contain instructions for protein synthesis
• Found in DNA and RNA
• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus
• Obtained from parents, not food

This quiz covers essential concepts related to macromolecules, including their structure and function in living organisms. Explore the roles of carbohydrates, lipids, and the processes of polymer formation and breakdown. Test your understanding of these fundamental biological components.