Biological Macromolecules Concept 3 PDF

 Overview Macromolecules: large organic molecules (carbon- containing) that make up all living things – Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids – We can’t live without them!! – They run our body, hold information for how to run our body, and provide the en...

 Overview Macromolecules: large organic molecules (carbon- containing) that make up all living things – Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids – We can’t live without them!! – They run our body, hold information for how to run our body, and provide the energy to do so – EVERYTHING we will learn for the rest of the semester will relate back to macromolecules!!! – Structurally, most macromolecules are polymers made out of monomers  Structure Overview Monomers: small, basic sub-units – Think about a brick or a word Polymers: larger more complex structures made of monomers – Think about a brick wall or a sentence  Making Polymers From monomers Dehydration reaction = builds a polymer by linking monomers – Does this by removing a water molecule – Ex. This happens when your body has more glucose than it needs, so it combines excess glucose molecules to store as glycogen. Monomer 1 Monomer 2 Polymer  Breaking Polymers Into monomers Hydrolysis = breaks big polymers into smaller monomers – Does this by adding water, which breaks bonds – Ex. This happens in your digestive system as enzymes break down complex starches into simpler sugars Monomer 1 Monomer 2 Polymer  Carbohydrates Main function = energy storage (short-term) Other uses = structure, transport, and signaling Found in = sugars and starches Composed of = C, H, O  Carbohydrates Monomer = monosaccharides = single sugar molecules – Ex. Glucose (main fuel for cell), galactose (in milk), fructose (in fruit) Polymer = polysaccharides = larger sugar molecules – Ex. Starch (how plants store sugar), glycogen (how animals store sugar), cellulose (structural support in plant cell walls) Energy storage = 4 calories/gram – Body can access and break it down easily, thus it is typically the first thing your body will break down to get energy when you need it!  Lipids Main function = energy storage (long-term) Other uses = insulation, protection, and structure Found in = fats, oils, phospholipids (in the cell membrane), steroids Composed of = C, H, O  Lipids Monomer = fatty acids Polymer = triglycerides Energy storage = 9 calories/gram – When your body runs out of easy-to-access carbs, it will break down lipids next for energy  Phospholipids A special lipid Structure = 2 fatty acids + 1 phosphate – Hydrophilic head = phosphate group – Hydrophobic tail = fatty acids  Phospholipids A special lipid Phospholipid bilayer = 2 layers make up the plasma membrane of our cells – Makes membrane selectively permeable  Proteins Main function = no “main function” because proteins do SO MUCH! They run your body! – Enzymes that control the rate of biochemical reactions – Hormones that regulate cell processes (Ex. Insulin) – Structurally make up bones and muscles (Ex. Collagen) – Transport substances in and out of cell (Ex. Hemoglobin) – Antibodies help immune system fight diseases – Movement (Ex. Contractile proteins) – Receptors aid in cell signaling – Energy source in the food we eat (Ex. Casein)  Proteins Found in = meats, nuts, and dairy products, but many are made by your body Composed of = C, H, O, N, P, S Monomer = Amino acids Polymer = Polypeptide – Amino acids linked together by a peptide bond Energy storage = 4 calories/gram – Proteins do SO MUCH besides for the body that they are usually the last resort if energy is needed  Proteins The importance of folding Proteins are the most diverse macromolecule in terms of structure AND function 4 levels to Primary structure Amino acid sequence their structure Alpha helix Form Secondary structure or beta sheet dictates Tertiary Quaternary function structure structure – The shape of 2 or more poly- the protein peptide chains Polypeptide determines chain is bound bent and together what it does! folded into 3D structure  Nucleic acids Main function = informational molecules that store, transmit, and express our genetic information; contain the instructions for making proteins Found in = DNA and RNA – You get them from your parents not your food!! Composed of = C, H, O, N, P  Nucleic acids Monomer = Nucleotides – Adenine, Guanine, Thymine, Cytosine, and Uracil – These are made up of: 5-Carbon sugar Phosphate group Nitrogen-containing base Polymer = Nucleic acid = DNA or RNA Energy storage = 0 calories/gram – They are NEVER broken down as a source of energy!!