Macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Proteins, and More

Macromolecules

• Macromolecules are large molecules formed by joining smaller organic molecules together.
• Organic compounds are carbon-based substances that are the basis of living matter.
• Polymers are molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds called monomers.

Types of Macromolecules

• There are four types of macromolecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

• Carbohydrates are made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
• Examples of carbohydrates include sugars and starches.
• Monosaccharides are simple sugars.
• Polysaccharides are complex sugars that include starches, cellulose, and glycogen.
• Carbohydrates can be broken down to provide cells with energy.
• Some carbohydrates are part of cell structure.
• Functions of carbohydrates:
  • Store energy
  • Provide structural support

Lipids

• Lipids are macromolecules made of fatty acid monomers.
• Types of lipids include triglycerides, phospholipids, and steroids and waxes.
• Lipids include fats, oils, and cholesterol.
• Fats and oils contain fatty acids and glycerol.
• The cell membrane is made up of a lipid called phospholipid.
• Functions of lipids:
  • Store energy
  • Provide barriers (as in cell membrane)

Proteins

• Proteins are made of amino acids.
• There are 20 types of amino acids used to build different proteins.
• Proteins differ in the number and order of the amino acids that make them.
• Functions of proteins:
  • Transport substances
  • Speed up reactions
  • Provide structural support
  • Make hormones

Nucleic Acids

• Nucleic acids are made of monomers called nucleotides.
• Examples of nucleic acids are DNA and RNA.
• Function of nucleic acids:
  • Store and transmit genetic information.