Biological Macromolecules (Bio 111, Chapter 3)

3.1 Macromolecule Synthesis

Objectives:

• Understand macromolecule synthesis
• Explain dehydration and hydrolysis reactions

Key Terms:

• Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids: Four major classes of biological macromolecules.
• Organic Molecules: Contain carbon, essential for life, can form stable bonds.
• Monomers and Polymers: Monomers are building blocks that combine to form polymers.

Reactions:

• Dehydration Synthesis: Combines monomers into polymers by removing water (H₂O).
• Hydrolysis: Breaks down polymers into monomers by adding water.

Enzymes:

• Enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions.
• Specific to certain reactions; e.g., sucrose enzyme only works on sucrose.

3.2 Carbohydrates

Objectives:

• Understand the role of carbohydrates in cells
• Explain carbohydrate classifications

Types:

• Monosaccharides: Simple sugars like glucose, fructose, galactose.
• Disaccharides: Two monosaccharides linked together; e.g., sucrose (glucose + fructose).
• Polysaccharides: Long chains of monosaccharides, e.g., glycogen, starch, cellulose.

Function:

• Provide energy, primarily as glucose.
• Polysaccharides serve as storage forms (e.g., glycogen in animals).

3.3 Lipids

Objectives:

• Describe four major types of lipids
• Explain roles of fats
• Differentiate between saturated and unsaturated fatty acids

Types of Lipids:

• Fats and Oils: Long-term energy storage; saturated fats are solid at room temp, unsaturated fats are liquid.
• Waxes: Provide waterproofing on plants and animals.
• Phospholipids: Make up cell membranes, have hydrophilic heads and hydrophobic tails.
• Steroids: Includes cholesterol, important for hormones.

Characteristics:

• Nonpolar hydrocarbons, hydrophobic.

3.4 Proteins

Objectives:

• Describe functions of proteins
• Understand relationship between amino acids and proteins

Structure:

• Made up of amino acids (monomers) linked by peptide bonds.
• Four levels of organization: Primary, Secondary, Tertiary, Quaternary.
• Structure is critical to function.

Functions:

• Wide range of functions: enzymes, structural components, transport, defense, etc.

3.5 Nucleic Acids

Objectives:

• Describe nucleic acid structure
• Know the difference between DNA and RNA

Components:

• Nucleotides: Monomers of nucleic acids, composed of a nitrogenous base, a sugar, and a phosphate group.

Types:

• DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid): Double-stranded, stores genetic information.
• RNA (Ribonucleic Acid): Single-stranded, involved in protein synthesis.

Role:

• DNA stays in the nucleus, RNA travels for protein synthesis.

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Study Tips:

• Review key differences between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.
• Familiarize yourself with different types of carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins.
• Understand the structural differences and functions of DNA and RNA.
• Use interactive elements and videos provided for deeper understanding.