Biochemistry Macromolecules, Carbohydrates, Lipids

The importance of carbon to living things… Carbon has 4 electrons in its outermost level (half full) 2) It can form up to 4 bonds. 3) It can form compounds of many different shapes

Some important words to know MONOMER = “one molecule”, monomers are the subunits of the larger compounds that we need. POLYMER= “many molecules”, these are usually called MACROMOLECULES (“big molecules”)

How are Macromolecules formed? Dehydration synthesis– water is removed and 2 (or more) monomers chemically bond to form 1 larger molecule. (Energy is usually needed to make this reaction happen)

How do Macromolecules break down? Hydrolysis – the monomers are split apart, binds break, and water is added. (This reaction usually releases energy)

What are the 4 Macromolecules of life? Carbohydrates Lipids Nucleic Acids Proteins Each macromolecule is made of different monomers!

Carbohydrates Made of: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen (1:2:1 ratio) Function: Energy!!, structure Functional Unit (subunit): monosaccharide Carbs are sugars, usually end with –ose!! EX: Glucose, sucrose, lactose, cellulose & starch.

Carbohydrates

Lipids Made of: carbon, hydrogen & oxygen (little O) Function: stored energy, structure, protection, hormones Functional Unit (subunit): fatty acids Lipids are fats. Examples: oils, lard, steroids**, ear wax

Other info: 1) fatty acids have 2 distinct ends – Hydrophobic – “doesn’t like water” Hydrophilic – “likes water” 2) 3 classes of lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids & waxes

Lipids