Introduction to Macromolecules

Overview of Macromolecules

  • Macromolecules are large structures that make up all living organisms.

  • Monomers: Small subunits that bind together to form larger units.

  • Polymers: Large units called polymers formed from chains of monomers.

Carbohydrates

  • Function: Main fuel source for most living things and a structural component for many plants.

  • Monomers: Monosaccharides, which are simple sugars such as glucose, fructose, and ribose.

  • Polymers: Polysaccharides (long chains of monomers).

  • Energy Storage: Starch in plants and glycogen in animals.

  • Structural Components: Cellulose in plants and chitin in insects.

Lipids

  • Characteristics: All lipids are hydrophobic and do not have true monomers.

  • Functions: Energy storage, cell membrane formation, and steroid function.

  • Fats: Include triglycerides as well as saturated and unsaturated fats.

  • Phospholipids: Form cellular membranes.

  • Steroids: All steroids form a cholesterol base and include all sex hormones.

Proteins

  • Function: Involved in nearly all cellular functions and comprise a major part of all living organisms.

  • Monomers: Amino acids (there are 2020 different amino acids).

  • Polymers: Polypeptides.

  • Key Concept: Protein structure results from folding, which determines the specific function.

Nucleic Acids

  • Function: Store, transmit, and express genetic information.

  • Monomers: Nucleotides, such as Adenine, guanine, and thymine.

  • Polymers: Polynucleotides, which exist as strands of DNA and RNA.