Presentation (789

Monomers: Small molecules that can chemically combine to form larger molecules (macromolecules).
- Formation: Monomers link together through strong covalent bonds.
- Process of linking monomers is called polymerization.
Polymers: Formed from multiple monomers; each time two monomers link, a water molecule is released, known as dehydration synthesis.
- Example: Monomer 1 + Monomer 2 → Polymer + Water.
Hydrolysis: Process of breaking down polymers into simpler molecules by adding water.
- Illustrated as water being added to a polymer to break it down into its constituent monomers in the bloodstream.

Often referred to collectively as sugars.
Structure: Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio.
- Example: Glucose (C6H12O6) is a monosaccharide.
Function: Main energy source for cells; athletes consume carbs for energy.
Carbohydrates found in foods: flour, fruits, grains, pasta, and starchy vegetables.
Monosaccharides: Single sugar molecules (e.g., glucose, fructose) that combine to form disaccharides (e.g., sucrose, lactose) through dehydration synthesis.

Animals store excess sugars as glycogen; important for muscle energy.
Plants store sugars as starch (found in seeds and bulbs) and cellulose, which forms the rigid cell walls of plants, providing structure and support.

Composed of long chains of carbon and hydrogen with little oxygen; known as fatty acids.
Function: Store energy (e.g., fats), form key structural components of cell membranes.
Lipids are nonpolar and hydrophobic (do not dissolve in water).
Excess carbohydrates convert to fat; starvation leads the body to break down lipids for energy.

Building Blocks: Composed of amino acids; 20 different amino acids exist.
Structure: All contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms.
- Amino acids differ in their side chains.
Peptide Bonds: Covalent bonds formed between amino acids via dehydration synthesis.
Chains of more than 50 amino acids are called proteins.
- Functions: Structure, communication, synthesis of molecules, transport, and enzymes.

Building Blocks: Composed of nucleotides (sugars, phosphate groups, nitrogen bases).
Key components of DNA and RNA.
- DNA contains thymine; RNA contains uracil instead of thymine.
Nucleic acid functions: Store and use genetic information, essential for protein synthesis.

Water as a Polar Molecule: Unequal sharing of electrons creates regions of positive and negative charge.
Universal Solvent: Ability to dissolve most substances due to polarity.
Cohesion and Adhesion: Water molecules attract each other (cohesion) and other substances (adhesion), enabling capillary action (e.g., movement up plant stems).
Surface Tension: Water's cohesive properties create surface tension, allowing small objects to float on its surface.
High Specific Heat: Requires more energy to change temperature, aiding in temperature regulation for living organisms.
Density of Ice: Ice is less dense than liquid water, allowing it to float and provide insulation for aquatic life.

Macromolecules are essential for life, providing energy, structural support, and biochemical functions.
Understanding the relationship and functions of these biomolecules is vital to comprehending biological systems.