MACROMOLECULES

Organic Compounds and

Their Properties

Biochemistry Notes

Organic Chemistry

Organic chemistry is the study of:

molecules containing carbon to

carbon bonds.

Macromolecules are very large

organic molecules.

Four Biological Macromolecules

Carbohydrates- starches & sugars

Lipids- fats

Proteins

Nucleic Acids- DNA & RNA

Building Blocks of Life

To build macromolecules, smaller units

(subunits) called monomers are put

together.

Many single units, called monomers,

bond together to form larger chainscalled polymers.

Fig. 2-12

Monomer

Polymer

Carbohydrates

starches and sugars

Elements: 1C:2H:1O

Carbohydrates

MONOMER:

Glucose – C6H12O6 -simple sugar that

cell’s use as its main source of energy(Blood Sugar)

POLYMERS:

Starch, Glycogen, & Cellulose

Food Sources:

–Starches: bread, cereal, pasta, rice,

potato, oats

–Sugars: candy, fruit, milk, sodas

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrate Storage

Starch – molecules created by plants to store excess glucose.

Shape: Long polymer chains of glucose

Glycogen – molecules created by animals to store excess glucose in the liver and in

muscle tissue until needed.

Shape: Long branching polymer chains of glucose

Structural Carbohydrate

Cellulose – forms cell walls of plants and gives plant structural support

-found in wood, paper, cotton, straw.

-source of dietary fiber (vegetables & fruit)

Shape: Long compact polymer chains of glucose

All are

polymers of

Glucose

Cellulose

LIPIDS

Fats, Oils & Waxes

Elements: C,H,O

Lipids are non-polar –repel water.

Lipid Monomers

Monomers:

Fatty Acids and Glycerol.

Two polymers:

Saturated & Unsaturated fats.

G

L

Y

C

E

R

O

L

F a t t y A c i d s

F a t t y A c i d s

F a t t y A c i d s

Importance of Lipids (fats)

Functions in body:

Provide long term energy (1 gram fat = 9 calories, 1 gram carbohydrate = 4 calories)

Major part of cell membranes

Provide insulation/cushion to body organs

Lipid Polymers

Where found:

Most vegetable oils,

canola oil, olive oil

G

L

Y

C

E

R

O

L

F a t t y A c i d s

Unsaturated fats: The Good Fats

Shape:

3 fatty acids bonded to a glycerol “E”=liquid

Saturated fats: The Bad Fats

Where found: animal fat,

butter, bacon,

margarine, shortening

Shape:

3 fatty acids bonded to a

glycerol “E”=solid

G

L

Y

C

E

R

O

L

F a t t y A c i d s

F a t t y A c i d s

F a t t y A c i d s

Where else can I find Lipids?

Cholesterol

Some hormones

Beeswax and earwax

PROTEINS

Elements:C,H,O,N

PROTEINS

Monomers:

Amino Acids -20 different ones (the order and kind determine the type of protein)

Two polymers:

Structural Proteins & Enzymes

Food Sources:

Meats, fish, eggs, beans, cheese, milk

Importance of Structural Proteins

1. Build and repair muscle, bone, tendons,

ligaments, hair, feathers, nails, skin,etc.

2. Part of cell membranes.

3. Helps blood transport oxygen and form

clots.

4. Aid with the immune system defense.

Shape of a Structural Protein

Where are they found?

Feathers Silk Hair & Nails

Muscles Bones Skin Blood

Enzymes

Function-biological catalyst that speeds

up & controls all chemical reactions in

the body

Shape: Long chains of amino acids folded into shapes that have grooves to fit other molecules.

Enzymes- have an active site where a substrate binds.

Fragile Enzymes

Enzymes are found working in every cell of the body.

Any extreme change in pH or temperature can denature or unravel a protein.

Denatured proteins can not return it their original shape and no longer function.

Nucleic Acids

Elements:C,H,O,N,P

NUCLEIC ACIDS

Monomers:

Nucleotide

Polymers:

DNA, RNA, ATP

Food Sources:

Fresh unprocessed

foods

Parts of a Nucleotide

S

P

NB

DNA

Function:DNA stores the genetic information needed to build

your body, and maintain it for life.

Shape:

Double Helix- two chains of nucleotides bonded down the middle like a zipper to form a twisted ladder shape.

Where Found:

In the nucleus of every cell of the body.

Structure of DNA

RNA

Function:RNA carries out the instructions found in DNA. It is

used in making proteins.

Shape:A single chain of nucleotides

Where Found:

Inside and outside of nucleus.

RNA and DNA Structure