Overview of Macromolecules

Overview of Macromolecules

• Macromolecules are large, complex molecules essential for life.
• They are typically composed of long chains of smaller units called monomers.

Types of Macromolecules

1. Carbohydrates

   • Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O).
   • Function: Energy storage, structural support, and cellular recognition.
   • Types:
     • Monosaccharides: Simple sugars (e.g., glucose, fructose).
     • Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose).
     • Polysaccharides: Long chains (e.g., starch, glycogen, cellulose).

2. Lipids

   • Diverse group, primarily hydrophobic.
   • Function: Energy storage, membrane structure, signaling.
   • Types:
     • Fatty Acids: Saturated (no double bonds) and unsaturated (one or more double bonds).
     • Triglycerides: Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids.
     • Phospholipids: Major component of cell membranes.
     • Steroids: Structured like cholesterol; involved in signaling.

3. Proteins

   • Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds.
   • Function: Catalysis (enzymes), structural support, transport, signaling.
   • Levels of structure:
     • Primary: Sequence of amino acids.
     • Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets (hydrogen bonding).
     • Tertiary: 3D folding due to interactions between side chains.
     • Quaternary: Multiple polypeptide chains assembled together.

4. Nucleic Acids

   • Composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base).
   • Function: Store and transmit genetic information.
   • Types:
     • DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double-stranded, contains genetic blueprint.
     • RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation.

Key Concepts

• Macromolecule Synthesis: Polymers are formed through dehydration synthesis (condensation reaction), where monomers lose water to bond together.
• Macromolecule Breakdown: Polymers are broken down into monomers through hydrolysis, which requires water.
• Enzymatic Activity: Specific enzymes catalyze the synthesis and breakdown of macromolecules, playing a crucial role in metabolism.

Macromolecules Overview

• Large, complex molecules essential for life
• Composed of long chains of smaller units called monomers

Carbohydrates

• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (C, H, O)
• Function: Energy storage, structural support, and cellular recognition
• Types: Monosaccharides, Disaccharides, Polysaccharides

Monosaccharides

• Simple sugars
• Examples: Glucose, Fructose

Disaccharides

• Two monosaccharides linked together
• Examples: Sucrose, Lactose

Polysaccharides

• Long chains of monosaccharides
• Examples: Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose

Lipids

• Diverse group of hydrophobic molecules
• Function: Energy storage, membrane structure, signaling
• Types: Fatty Acids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids, Steroids

Fatty Acids

• Saturated: No double bonds between carbon atoms
• Unsaturated: One or more double bonds between carbon atoms

Triglycerides

• Composed of glycerol and three fatty acids

Phospholipids

• Major component of cell membranes
• Have a hydrophilic head and hydrophobic tail

Steroids

• Structured like cholesterol
• Involved in signaling

Proteins

• Composed of amino acids linked by peptide bonds
• Function: Catalysis (enzymes), structural support, transport, signaling

Protein Structure

• Primary: Sequence of amino acids
• Secondary: Alpha helices and beta sheets formed by hydrogen bonding
• Tertiary: 3D folding due to interactions between side chains
• Quaternary: Multiple polypeptide chains assembled together

Nucleic Acids

• Composed of nucleotides (sugar, phosphate group, nitrogenous base)
• Function: Store and transmit genetic information

DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

• Double-stranded
• Contains the genetic blueprint

RNA (Ribonucleic Acid)

• Single-stranded
• Involved in protein synthesis and gene regulation

Macromolecule Synthesis & Breakdown

• Dehydration synthesis: Monomers bond together by losing water molecules
• Hydrolysis: Water is added to break the bond between monomers

Enzymatic Activity

• Specific enzymes catalyze the synthesis and breakdown of macromolecules
• Play a crucial role in metabolism