Macromolecules in Living Macromolecules in Living OrganismsOrganisms

There are 4 main classes of macromolecules:

Carbohydrates(CBH)

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic acids

CarbohydratesCarbohydrates

Functions in living organisms

Basic structure

Reactions involving carbohydratesReactions involving carbohydrates

Endergonic-building

Exergonic-breaking apart

Important CBHsImportant CBHs Storage

Structural CBHs

LipidsLipids

Functions: Lipids include:

Energy storage

Fats & OilsFats & Oils

Non polar Each fat molecule (AKA

triglyceride) consists of:

– How are they joined together?

Variations in fats are due to fatty acid composition FAs may be

– Saturated– Unsaturated

Fat Functions:Fat Functions:

PhospholipidsPhospholipids Glycerol,2 Fatty

acids, + phosphate group

Cell membranes

GlycolipidsGlycolipids Glycerol, 2 FA chains, CBH

Impt. Components of cell membrane, usually facing into the external environment

FA

FA

glycerol

CBH

SteroidsSteroids

Steroid nucleus Functions