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Introduction to Macromolecules

• Review similar content from ninth-grade science regarding macromolecules.

• Discuss the significance of SI units in biological studies and experiments.

Carbon Atom Structure

• Carbon Atom Overview:

  • Atomic number: 6 (indicating 6 protons, 6 neutrons, 6 electrons).

  • Electron configuration: 2 electrons in the first shell, 4 in the second shell (4 valence electrons).

• Bonding Capacity:

  • Can form up to 4 covalent bonds with other atoms.

  • Common bonding elements: Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), Phosphorus (P), Sulfur (S), and other carbons.

• Complex Molecules:

  • Carbon’s ability leads to a variety of structural forms: chains, branches, rings, single, double, or even triple bonds.

Understanding Macromolecules

• Four Biological Molecules:

  • Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids.

  • These molecules are formed by various combinations of carbon and other elements.

• Initial Learning Tasks:

  • Pictures and diagrams to illustrate different carbon bond structures.

  • Recognize examples of specific macromolecules (e.g., carbohydrates).

SI Units and Measurements

• Importance of Metric System:

  • All experiments must use SI units to avoid losing points.

  • Familiarize with conversions (micrometers to nanometers or millimeters).

Monomers and Polymers

• Definitions:

  • Monomers: Small units that bond to form larger molecules (polymers).

  • Examples include Legos or links in a chain.

• Synthesis and Breakdown:

  • Condensation Reaction: Monomers bond by removing water, involves energy input (ATP).

  • Hydrolysis Reaction: Breaks bonds by adding water, energy is released.

Carbohydrates (Carbs)

• Composition:

  • Consist of carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O) in a 1:2:1 ratio (C:H:O).

• Functions:

  • Quick energy source (e.g., pasta for athletes)

  • Structural components (plant, fungal, and exoskeletons of animals).

• Monosaccharides:

  • Basic units of carbohydrates: include glucose, fructose, galactose, ribose, and deoxyribose.

  • Structural differences between pentose (5 carbons) and hexose (6 carbons) sugars.

• Isomers:

  • Alpha and Beta glucose: same molecular formula (C6H12O6) but different structures.

  • Alpha glucose has the hydroxyl group (OH) pointing down, while beta has it pointing up (Mnemonic: "All Good Dogs Dance Until Dawn" for alpha; "Beautiful Gorillas Use Designer Umbrella Seal" for beta).

Polysaccharides

• Types of Polysaccharides:

  • Starch, Glycogen, Cellulose, Chitin, Peptidoglycan.

  • Typically polymers of glucose (thousands of units).

• Starch vs. Glycogen:

  • Starch (plants) consists of amylose (simple coils) and amylopectin (branched).

  • Glycogen (animals) highly branched for energy storage.

• Cellulose:

  • Composed of beta glucose, forming strong fibers for plant cell walls (not for energy storage).

  • Linear chains with hydrogen bonds enable structuring in plant cells.

Glycoproteins

• Function:

  • Glycoproteins are carbohydrates linked to proteins on cell surfaces, crucial for cell identification and signaling.

  • Example: MHC proteins in the immune response, aiding in the identification of foreign cells.

• Blood Type Antigens:

  • Blood types (A, B, AB, O) depend on antigens present and antibodies present in the blood, crucial for transfusion compatibility.

• Universal Donors and Recipients:

  • Type O negative is regarded as a universal donor, while Type AB positive is a universal recipient.

Summary of Learning Points

• Review the macromolecules, search and identify structures and functions.

• Ensure comprehension of carbohydrate structure and function with a focus on glucose.

• Understand the significance of blood type and the immune system in relation to glycoproteins.