AGENDA Standard Macromolecules Graphic Organizer

Independent Group

Macromolecule Activity

STANDARD SB1. Students will analyze the nature of the

relationships between structures and functions in living cells. c. Identify the function of the four major

macromolecules (i.e., carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, nucleic acids).

MACROMOLECULES You will work on filling out information for

each of the macromolecules on your own. Spend about 20 minutes filling it out on your on, see

pages 59-63 (READ ) We will then go over them together to make

sure you’ve got it all.

INTRODUCTION All compounds can be classified into 2 broad

categoriges: Organic compounds – contain carbon and

hydrogen atoms Inorganic compounds – can have carbon or

hydrogen, but not both

MACROMOLECULES Most of your body’s molecules are organic

compounds Macromolecules are built from small organic compounds

the same way a railroad train is built, by linking a lot of smaller units together into long chains Large carbon compounds are built up from smaller simpler

molecules called monomers (mono = one) Monomers can bind to one another to form complex molecules

known as polymers (poly = many) A polymer consists of repeated, linked units, which can also bind

forming large polymers called macromolecules (macro = large)

MACROMOLECULES Monomers link to form polymers through a chemical

reaction called condensation reaction or dehydration synthesis.  During the formation of polymers, Water (H2O), is released or is by-product of the reaction.

The breakdown of some complex molecules, such as polymers, occurs through a process known as hydrolysis.Hydrolysis is the reverse of a condensation reaction.  The

addition of water, to some polymers can break the bonds that hold them together.

CARBOHYDRATES Made up of C, H, and O. Monomer: saccharides Disaccharides are

made up of two saccharides, polysaccharides are made up of more than two.

Functions: Energy storage Structural components

of cells Cell recognition

LIPIDS Made up of C, H, O, and P Monomer: fatty acids Can be fats, waxes, or

steroids Triglycerides are common

lipids made up of glycerol linked to three fatty acid chains in the shape of an “E”

Functions: Energy storage Membrane structure Water barrier Hormones

PROTEINS Made up of C, H, N, O, P, and

S Monomer: amino acid Functions:

Catalyze reactions (enzymes) Cell signaling and

communication Transportation Structure

NUCLEIC ACIDS Made up of C, H, N, O, and P.

Monomer: Nucleotide (nitrogen base + phosphate group + pentose sugar)

Functions: Store and transmit

hereditary information Energy carriers