Macromolecules: Big Building Blocks
Nucleic Acids
- Nucleic Acids are molecules that carry the directions for how to make proteins.
- Nucleic acids are made up of monomers called nucleotides.
- Examples: DNA and RNA
Polymers = Macromolecules
Types of Carbohydrates
Simple Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates made up of 1 or a few molecules of sugar
- Examples: sucrose and fructose
Complex Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates made up of hundreds of sugars
- Examples: Starch and cellulose
Carbohydrates
- Carbohydrates are polymers made up of sugars.
- The main function of carbohydrates is to provide and store energy.
- There are 2 types of carbs: simple and complex.
- Macromolecules are made up of smaller pieces called monomers.
- Putting many monomers together makes a polymer. (Poly means many)
- There are 4 macromolecules: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids
Macromolecules
- "Macro" means large. Macromolecules are "large molecules"
Function of Proteins
Proteins have many important jobs:
1. Structure
2. Enzymes
3. Transportation
4. Storage
5. Hormones
Proteins
- Proteins are polymers that are made up of smaller monomers called amino acids.
- There are 20 different amino acids that combine to make all of the different proteins in our bodies.
Lipids
- Lipids are molecules that cannot mix with water.
- Store energy.
- Make up cell membranes.
- Examples: phospholipids, fats, oils
Protein Examples
- Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells. It helps carry oxygen throughout the body.
- Insulin is a hormone that helps control our blood sugar levels.
- Salivary Amylase is an enzyme in saliva that breaks down carbohydrates