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Understanding Macromolecules and Their Functions

Apr 22, 2025

Macromolecules and Biochemistry

Key Concepts

  • Monomers: Repeating molecular subunits that are the building blocks of polymers.
    • Examples: Monosaccharides, glycerol, amino acids, nucleotides.
  • Polymers: Long chains made of monomers.
    • Examples: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids.

Types of Macromolecules

Lipids (Fats)

  • Monomer: Glycerol and fatty acids.
  • Examples: Phospholipids, cholesterol.
  • Characteristics:
    • Hydrophobic fats that can store energy.
    • Found in cell membranes, controlling what enters and exits cells.
    • Good insulators.
    • Types of fats:
      • Saturated Fats: Single bonded, straight line.
      • Unsaturated Fats: Double bonded, bent structure.

Proteins

  • Monomer: Amino acids.
  • Functions:
    • Build and repair tissues.
    • Important for muscle building and immune system function.
    • Serve as enzymes and hormones.
  • Structure Levels:
    • Primary: Linear sequence of amino acids.
    • Secondary: Regular folding into specific structural patterns.
    • Tertiary: Three-dimensional arrangement of amino acids.
    • Quaternary: Multiple polypeptide chains packed together.

Carbohydrates (Carbs)

  • Monomer: Monosaccharide.
  • Function: Store energy for short periods.
  • Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
  • Examples: Glucose, fructose, sucrose.

Nucleic Acids

  • Monomer: Nucleotide.
  • Function: Store and transmit genetic information; involved in protein synthesis.
  • Structure:
    • Made of phosphate group, sugar, nitrogenous base.
    • Arranged with phosphates on the outside, sugar in the middle, and nitrogenous bases connecting nucleotides.
    • DNA: Genetic blueprint.
    • RNA: Assists in protein synthesis.

Enzymes

  • Catalysts for chemical reactions in living organisms.
  • Functions:
    • Speed up reactions by lowering activation energy.
    • Reusable (can react with a substrate multiple times).
  • Note: Some enzymes are RNA, but most are proteins.
  • Denaturing: Unraveling and loss of 3D shape.

Chemical Reactions

Hydrolysis

  • A chemical reaction where a compound is broken down by reaction with water.

Dehydration Synthesis

  • Formation of new chemical bonds between molecules, resulting in new compounds.