Macromolecules: Carbs, Lipids, and Proteins

Macromolecules

• Carbohydrates (Sugars):
  • Monomers are monosaccharides (e.g., glucose)
  • Ratio of monosaccharides is CH₂O
  • Glycosidic linkages join monosaccharides
  • Polysaccharides are polymers of sugars
  • Storage (starch, glycogen) or structural (cellulose) roles
  • Starch and glycogen are energy storage for plants and animals respectively.
  • Cellulose forms plant cell walls.
  • Chitin is in exoskeletons and fungal cell walls.

Lipids

• Fats, oils, and waxes
• Not polymers
• Made of glycerol and fatty acids
• Energy storage
• Provide insulation and cushioning
• Saturated fats are solid at room temp (e.g.,animal fats) while unsaturated fats are liquid (e.g., vegetable oils)
• Phospholipids have both polar and nonpolar parts, critical component of cell membranes.
• Steroids have a 4-fused ring structure (e.g., cholesterol)

Proteins

• Monomers are amino acids
• Polymers are polypeptides
• Many functions (structural support, transport, defense, enzymes)
• Amino acids linked via peptide bonds
• 4 levels of protein structure (primary, secondary, tertiary, quaternary)
• Denaturation is the loss of protein structure due to changes in pH or temperature.

Nucleic Acids

• Monomers are nucleotides
• Polymers are DNA and RNA
• Carry genetic information
• Nucleotides consist of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.
• DNA and RNA have different functions and structures, DNA is a double helix and RNA is usually single-stranded.

Carbohydrate Tests

• Benedict's Test: Detects reducing sugars. A positive result shows color change (e.g., from blue to orange/red).
• Iodine Test: Detects polysaccharides. A positive result shows a color change (e.g. from amber to dark purple/blue-black).

Lipid Tests

• Lipid tests involve observing whether a solution forms a separate layer upon mixing.

Protein Tests

• Biuret Test: Detects proteins. A positive result produces a purple color change.

Explore the fascinating world of macromolecules including carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins. This quiz covers the structure, function, and significance of these essential biological molecules. Test your understanding of monomers, polymers, and their roles in living organisms.