Macromolecules,

Biomolecules, &

Organic CompoundsChapter 3 Section 3

Ted Talks – The Operating System of Life

Building Blocks of Cells Organic Compounds – molecules that contain CARBON,

HYDROGEN and OXYGEN

Macromolecules – large, complex molecules that make up the parts of a cell and are used in biochemical processes

Biomolecules – molecules necessary for life

Four Types

Carbohydrates

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic Acids

Building Blocks of Cells

Monomer – small units (or building blocks) that make up macromolecules

Mono - ONE

Carbohydrates (AKA sugars)

Monomers – monosaccharides (one sugar)

Elements – carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O)

Usually in a 1:2:1 ratio (C6H12O6)

Functions of Carbs

Major source of energy

Plants store the sun’s energy in glucose

All organisms break down sugar to release its stored energy

Structural support (cell wall)

Cellulose – plants

Chitin – fungi

Cell recognition

Cells recognize one another using sugars attached to the cell membrane.

Carbohydrate Examples Monosaccharides (one sugar)

Glucose

Fructose

Disaccharides (two sugars)

Sucrose

Polysaccharides (many sugars)

Cellulose

Chitin

Starch

Glycogen

Lipids (AKA Fats)

Lipids are hydrophobic or “water fearing” so lipids repel water

Monomers – fatty acids

Elements – mostly carbon and hydrogen with a little oxygen

Functions of Lipids

Long-term energy storage

Some animals only eat a few months of the year and rely on stored energy for the rest of the year. (whales)

Hibernation

Plants store fat as oil (peanut and corn oil)

Build water-proof membranes

Lipids

Examples

Fats

Phospholipids

Steroids

Waxes

Oils

Proteins (AKA Workers)

Monomers – amino acids

20 different amino acids in living things

The order of the amino acids determines the proteins shape which determines its role in the cell

Elements – Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and sometimes Sulfur

Functions of Proteins Build structures and support

Cytoskeleton

Collagen

Are chemical messages

Hormones

Functions of Proteins Move materials through

the cell membrane

Transporters

Help carry out important chemical reactions

Enzymes

Help the body fight diseases

Antibodies

Nucleic Acids (AKA Genes)

Monomers – nucleotides

Elements – Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus

Functions of Nucleic Acids Store and transmit the

genetic information for an organism

Examples

DNA and RNA