Transcript Biochemistry The Macromolecules of Life Chapter 2.3

Biochemistry
The Macromolecules of
Life
Chapter 2.3
Organic Chemistry
The
study of all
compounds that have
bonds between
carbon atoms.
Importance of Carbon
Carbon
has 4 valence
electrons
It tends to form covalent
bonds with other carbon
atoms
In
doing so, carbon
can form a variety of
shapes…
…chains…
…rings…
…branches…
…or
combinations of
chains, rings, and
branches.
Macromolecules
Carbon
is able to
form large and
complex molecules
called
“macromolecules”
Macromolecules
are made
by “polymerization” in
which small compounds
(called “monomers”) are
put together to make
larger compounds (called
“polymers”)
There
are 4 types of organic
macro-molecules (organic
polymers):
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic
Acids
Carbohydrates
“sugars”
Made of C, H, O in a 2:1
(H:O) ratio; Ex: C6H12O6
Monomer is
monosaccharide
Glucose
– quick energy
Starch – plant storage
Glycogen – animal storage
Cellulose – structure in
plants
Chitin – exoskeleton in
crayfish, etc
Examples
include galactose,
fructose, polysaccharides
(like starch and cellulose)
Used as the main source of
fuel and/or structural
purposes
Found in breads, cereals,
pasta, potatoes, corn
Lipids: “fats”
Made
of mostly of C and
H and O
Monomer is glycerol
attached to fatty acids
Used
to store energy, make
cell membranes, waterproof
coverings
Examples: saturated fats,
unsaturated fats,
polyunsaturated fats, oils,
waxes, cholesterol, steroids
Contained
in dairy products,
meats, some vegetables
Nucleic Acids
Made
of C, H, O, N, P
Monomers are
nucleotides
Used
to store and
transmit genetic
information
Examples include DNA
and RNA
Found in any food that
contains cells
Proteins
Contains
C, H, O, N
(S, P)
Monomers are amino
acids
Used
to regulate
chemical reactions and
cell processes, form body
structures, transport
materials, or fight
disease
Examples
include
enzymes, antibodies,
muscle tissue
Contained in meats,
legumes, dairy
products