Macromolecules

SC.912.L.18.1

Describe the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four major categories of biological macromolecules.

Source: http://biologypatriciam.blogspot.com

What do I need to know? identify and/or describe the basic

molecular structure of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and/or nucleic acids

describe the primary functions of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and/or nucleic acids in organisms

explain how enzymes speed up the rate of a biochemical reaction by lowering the reaction’s activation energy

identify and/or describe the effect of environmental factors (concentration, pH, and temperature)on enzyme activity

Molecules of Life

What are bodies mostly made of? Carbon molecules

carbohydrates (sugars & starches)

proteins fats (lipids) nucleic acids (DNA,

RNA)

Carbon’s Bonding Properties

carbon forms covalent bonds with up to four other atoms, including other carbon atoms

many carbon-based molecules are made of many small subunits bonded together

Structure of Carbohydrates

contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen in the ratio 1:2:1

Function of Carbohydrates

include sugars and starches

can be broken down to provide energy for cells

some are part of cell structure

Structure of Lipids

are non-polar molecules that include fats, oils, and cholesterol

many contain carbon chains called fatty acids

fats and oils contain fatty acids bonded to glycerol

contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

Function of Lipids are a great source of stored

energy so we have it in the future

make up cell membranes insulate the body to

maintain normal body temperature and they cushion the internal organs for protection

produce hormones for the body called steroids

waterproof surfaces of animals, plants, and fruits- (these are waxes)

Structure of Proteins

are polymers of amino acid monomers

each protein is made up of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen

The shapes of proteins are like a balled up piece of

string

Amino Acid

chain

All wound

up

Function of Proteins

major structural molecules in living things for growth and repair : muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, hair, skin, nail

found in all cell membranes make up antibodies in the

immune system make up enzymes for helping

chemical reactions make up non-steroid

hormones which regulate bodily functions

Structure of Nucleic Acids polymers of

monomers called nucleotides

nucleotides are made of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen baseA phosphate group nitrogen-containing

molecule,called a base

deoxyribose (sugar)

Function of Nucleic Acids

DNA stores genetic information

RNA

RNA builds proteins

DNA

The Molecules of Life

Create a foldable booklet (see below).

As you watch the video draw the structure and list the characteristics of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids under the appropriate tabs.

Enzymes type of protein that

act as biological catalysts, speeding up chemical reactions without being used up

work at optimum temperatures and pH

they are specific – Lock and Key Model

Effects of Environmental Factors on Reaction Rate

Environmental Factors concentration pH temperature

Lab: Enzyme Catalysis Enzymes catalyze

reactions by lowering the activation energy necessary for a reaction to occur.

In this laboratory, you will study some of the basic principles of molecular movement in solution and perform a series of activities to investigate these processes.

Show What You KnowAs food travels through the digestive system, it is exposed to a variety of pH levels. The stomach has a pH of 2 due to the presence of hydrochloric acid (HCl), and the small intestine has a pH ranging from 7 to 9. HCl converts pepsinogen into pepsin, an enzyme that digests proteins in the stomach. Which of the following most likely happens to pepsin as it enters the small intestine?

A. It becomes inactive.

B. It begins to replicate.

C. Its shape changes to engulf large proteins.

D. Its activity increases to digest more proteins.

Show What You KnowWhich of the following best compares the structures of lipids and carbohydrates?

A. Both are made up of monosaccharide monomers, but lipids are hydrophobic and carbohydrates are hydrophilic.

B. Both consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, but carbohydrates have repeating structural units and lipids do not.

C. Both contain carbon and hydrogen, but carbohydrates also contain oxygen and lipid contain nitrogen.

D. Both have a carbon backbone, but lipids also have an amino group and carbohydrates have a carboxylic acid group.

Show What You KnowWhich of the following best describes the difference between the functions of nucleic acids and enzymes?

A. Nucleic acids are used as the building block of proteins, while enzymes are used as the building blocks of phospholipids.

B. Nucleic acids contain the genetic code for protein synthesis, while enzymes catalyze chemical reactions.

C. Nucleic acids inhibit biochemical reactions, while enzymes provide structural support in cells.

D. Nucleic acids transmit signals that begin biochemical processes, while enzymes convert carbohydrates into lipids and proteins.

Show What You KnowSome proteins catalyze biochemical reactions. If a genetic defect prevented a protein catalyst from being produced, which of the following do you predict would happen in the cell?

A. The cell would find a different type of protein to catalyze the reaction.

B. The reaction the protein catalyzes would proceed very slowly or not all.

C. The reaction the protein catalyzes would only occur in some places in the cell.

D. The reverse reaction of the one the protein catalyzes would begin to proceed.