Macromolecules and Functional Groups

The function of a macromolecule depends on its…

structure

All living things share the same four…

macromolecules

Functional Group

A specific combination of bonded atoms that always reacts in the same way, regardless of the particular carbon skeleton (the reason molecules behave differently)

Functional Groups are like the ‘switches’ that make molecules behave…

differently

Carbohydrates are built from…

sugars

Monosaccharides

sugar

Why do carbohydrates have a ring-like structure?

It makes them easy to break apart for energy, but also strong enough to build structures (like plant cell walls)

Purpose of Carbohydrates

Quick energy + structural support

Elements in carbohydrates

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

hydrocarbon

Lipids are long chains of…

Lipids are (polar or nonpolar)

nonpolar (dont mix w/ water)

Purpose of Lipids (due to nonpolarity)

Storing energy and building membranes

messengers

Some lipids act as chemical…

Purpose of Lipids

Energy storage, membranes, hormones

Carbon and hydrogen

What elements are lipids made of?

amino acids

Proteins are chains of…

The order of amino acids causes them to form into complex shapes, determining their function

Why is the order of amino acids important?

Purpose of Proteins

Workers of the cell (enzymes, transporters, signals, or structural parts)

Amino Acids

Small organic molecules that serve as the building blocks of proteins

Structure of Amino Acids

A central carbon atom (the a-carbon). Attached to it are:

• An amino group (-NH2)

• A carbonyl group (-COOH)

• A hydrogen atom

• A unique R group (side chain)

The R group is what makes each of the 20 amino acids…

different (since they can all have different properties)

Peptide Bonds

How amino acids connect, linking the carboxyl group of one to the amino group of the next, forming long chains called polypeptides

proteins

When chains of amino acids fold into complex shapes, they become…

most

Proteins do… of the work in cells

Nucleic acids (DNA and RNA) are long chains of…

nucleotides

The sequence of nucleotides…

stores information that directs how cells build proteins

Hydrogen and nitrogen

Which elements make up nucleic acids?

Hydroxyl (-OH)

The functional group that makes things polar (making them usually dissolves in water), forms hydrogen bonds, in alcohols and sugars

Carboxyl (-COOH)

The functional group that is acidic, donates H+, found in amino acids and fatty acids

Amino (-NH2)

The functional group that is basic, accepts H+

Phosphate (-PO₄)

The functional group that has a negative charge, energy transfer, highly reactive, in ATP, phospholipids, and DNA

Methyl (-CH3)

The functional group that is nonpolar, can regulate gene expression (DNA methylation)

Why do functional groups matter?

Carbon skeletons act as framework, while functional groups determine the chemical properties and biological roles of a substance

Carbonyl (C=O)

The functional group that is found in sugars, reactive, helps form ring structures

Sulfhydryl (-SH)

The functional group that is polar, can form disulfide bridges, and important for protein folding (stabilization)