Macromolecules

Carbohydrates 

Bond: Covalent Bonds

Elements: C, H, O

Monomer: Monosaccharides

Polymers: Disaccharide (two) and polysaccharide (many)

Functional Groups: hydroxyl and carbonyl

Carbohydrates functions

• Fuel cells

• Structural support in plants (cellulose that forms cell walls)

• Building blocks for amino acids

Proteins

Bond: Peptide bonds (amino group bonded to a carboxyl group)

Elements: C, H, O, N, S

Monomer: Amino acids

Functional groups: amino group (n-terminus), carboxyl group (c-terminus)

Protein functions

• Build + repair tissue

• Antibodies: Protect the body from disease

• Messenger: Transmits signals (ex., hormones)

• Transport/storage: Carry small atoms and molecules through the body

• Enzymes: Carry out chemical reactions or assist in creating new molecules

Protein structure

Primary:

• Linear chain of AA

• Determined by genes

• Dictates secondary and tertiary forms

Secondary:

• Coils and folds due to hydrogen bonding within the polypeptide backbone.

Tertiary:

• 3d folding due to interactions between the R variables of the AAs.

Quaternary:

• Interaction of 2 or more polypeptides (only some proteins)

Nucleic Acids

Bond: Phosphodiester linkage and hydrogen bonds between nitrogenous bases

Elements: C, H, O, P, N

Monomer: Nucleotides

Functional Groups: hydroxyl, phosphate, carbonyl, amino

Directionality: 5’ → 3’

• DNA is antiparallel, so one strand is 5’ → 3’ and the other is 3’ → 5’

Nucleic Acid Functions

• Store, transmit, and express hereditary information (DNA)

• Transmit information for protein synthesis (RNA)

Lipids

Bond: Ester linkage

Elements: C, H, O, P

Functional Groups: hydroxyl and the others vary

Lipids functions

• Insulation (traps heat)

• Protection of cells (bilayer of the cell membrane)

• Help with cell function (store energy)