Biomolecules
Another name for a Biomolecule is a Macromolecule.
Macromolecules are Large Molecules within the cells.
They are made from thousands of smaller molecules.
A.) Polymers- larger compounds
B.) Monomers- smaller compounds
C.)Polymerization- building of large compounds by joining smaller ones.
(Analogous Ex: cars of a train linked together to make the train as a whole)
Cars= monomers
Train= polymer
Student Notes
Using your knowledge of Root Words, explain how the terms Biomolecule and
Macromolecule are related.
Student notes
Get with a partner next to you, without getting out of your seat.
Come up with an example of monomers and polymers, other than the train!!
4 major biomolecules
• 1.) Carbohydrates (sugars/starches)
• 2.) Proteins ( amino acids)
• 3.) Lipids (fats,oils,waxes,steroids)
• 4.) Nucleic Acids (DNA,RNA)
Student page
Write down everything that you have eaten today, you can also include what you have had to
drink.
Student Notes p. 5
Without looking at your notes:
1. Give an example of a monomer and a polymer and label each one.
2. Name which macromolecule you would need the most for running a marathon.
3. What types of food would you eat before the marathon?
# 1--Carbohydrates
• “Fast Fuel”- sugars & starches• Sugar molecules made of C, H, & O • Made in a 1:2:1 ratio• C6H12O6
• Two types of Sugars:• Monosaccharides and Disaccharides
Monosaccharides
• simple sugars:• A.) glucose- “blood sugar” energy for
cellular respiration• B.) galactose- sugar in milk & yogurt• C.) fructose- sugar found in honey• all 3 have same molecular structure
(C6H12O6) but different structural formulas or shapes.
Disaccharides
• Are Monosaccharides covalently bonded together
• 3 Common Disaccharides
• A.) sucrose (table sugar)= glucose +fructose• B.) lactose (sugar in milk) =glucose + galactose• C.) maltose= (product of starch digestion)= glucose
+ glucose
Starches
• Polysaccharides = starches• Starches are polymers of glucose• A.) amylose• B.) amylopectin
• Sugars are soluble in water• Starches are insoluble in water
Student Notes
Explain the difference between a monosaccharide, a disaccharide,
and a polysaccharide.
Draw and label the molecular structure of each type of
carbohydrate
Structural formula for Carbohydrates
Student page 9Make a chart of the
3 types of carbohydrates
Monosaccharides(simple sugar)
Disaccharides(simple sugar)
Polysaccharides(starch)
1. 1. 1.
2. 2. 2.
3. 3.
#2--Proteins
Many structures/Many functions
Proteins are made up of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and oxygen.
Formed from monomers called amino acids.
Role of Proteins
Each protein has a specific role ,such as:
*A. regulating cell processes
*B. controlling the rate of reactions (movement)
*C. forming muscles or bones (structural support)
*D. transporting substances into or out of cells
*E. fighting disease (against foreign substances)
Student NotesChoose one of the functions of
the proteins.
What would happen if the protein that controlled that function stopped working?
Write your answer in a complete sentence!!
Amino Acid Molecular Structure
*compounds with an amino group (-NH2) on one end and a carboxyl group (-
COOH) on the other end with a side chain called an “R-group”
#3---Lipids
*made mostly from carbon and hydrogen atoms.
*Generally not soluble in water. (hydrophobic)
*Consist of fats, oils and waxes, also steroids.
Uses of Lipids
**Used to store energy.*
**Some are important parts of biological membranes and waterproof coverings.
**Protection
**Formed when glycerol joins a fatty acid group.
Study the 1st Ten Latin Root Words with your partner at your
table for the next 5 minutes
Student Notes
Who do you think stores more fat in their bodies, Men or Women?
Explain your answer in complete sentences!!
Structure of a Lipid
Types of Lipids
Saturated fats- all carbons have the maximum number of hydrogens attached to
them. Usually are solid at room temperature (lard,
Crisco.)
Unsaturated fats- contain at least one carbon-carbon double covalent bond.
Usually are liquid at room temperature (cooking oils.)
#4--Nucleic Acids
*made up of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and phosphorus
*Formed from monomers called nucleotides.
*Nucleotides- made up of a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate group and a nitrogenous base.
*Store and transmit hereditary or genetic information.
Nucleotide
Types of Nucleic Acids
RNA-ribonucleic acid, contains the sugar ribose.
DNA-deoxyribonucleic acid, contains the sugar deoxyribose.