WHAT ARE
MACROMOLECULES?
LESSON 7
OBJECTIVES
• Define and provide examples of biological
macromolecules
• Define and provide examples of synthetic macromolecules
• Explain how some of the important and common
macromolecule are made
• Relate IMFAs and molecular structure with the properties of
macromolecules
Macromolecules
• Is defined as a very large
molecule that consists of long
chains of similar groups of
atoms or a basic molecular
unit called monomer.
• Macromolecules can be
categorized into two:
• Synthetic macromolecules
• Biological macromolecules
Biological macromolecules
• Also known as life
macromolecules, which are
found in biological systems
and perform a wide array
of functions that are
essential to life.
• Proteins, Nucleic Acids,
Carbohydrates, and Lipids.
Proteins
• Are made up of amino acids - which is a
compound containing an amino group and
carboxyl group.
• Amino acids are linked together by peptide
bonds - which is a single bond between carbon
and nitrogen.
• It forms from a condensation reaction between
the carboxyl group of one amino acid
combining with the amino group of a second
amino acid.
• Denaturation is the process of protein breaking
down into constituent structures.
• When a large number of amino acids are linked
together, a polypeptide is produced.
Protein
Structure
• Primary structure helps determine the shape
and function of a protein.
• Secondary structure some segments are
folded or coiled. They are found in keratin
which is found in wool, hair, and fingernails.
• Tertiary structure refers to the three-
dimensional shape of proteins. They are
found collagen, and hemoglobin.
• Quarterrnary structure refers to the overall,
three-dimensional arrangement of the
polypeptide chains.
Nucleic Acids
• Are polymers that serves as chemical
carriers of an organisms genetic
information.
• There are two types of nucleic acids:
deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and
ribonucleic acid (RNA).
• Nucleic acids are made up of
nucleotide units, each has three
distinct parts: Pentose - five-carbon
sugar; Organic base that contains
nitrogen, and phosphate group.
Carbohydrates
• Are composed of monomeric units called
monosaccharides or “simple sugar”. They are
produced through the process of
photosynthesis.
• When two monosaccharide unit combine
during a condensation reaction, a
disaccharides is formed.
• The formation of disaccharides creates a
gylocosidic bond between the
monosaccharide units. And the release of
water molecules.
• Complex carbohydrates, or polysaccharides
are compounds that are made of many
simple sugars linked together.
Lipids
• Are a diverse group of naturally occurring
organic compounds.
• These organic molecules are soluble in
non-polar organic solvents but insoluble
in water.
• Their insolubility in water is because they
contain a large number of non-polar
carbon-carbon and carbon-hydrogen
bonds.
• Lipids are commonly used by organisms
as a form of energy storage for a long
term of use.
Example of Lipids
• Triglycerides are composed of glycerol molecule
bonded with three fatty acids - long chains of
carboxylic. Saturated fat - becomes solid in room
temperature; and Unsaturated fat - stays liquid in
room temperature
• Waxes are made of long-chain fatty acids and
long-chain alcohols. Found on the surfaces of
fruits, leaves, and feathers of birds.
• Phospholipids are a class of lipids that serves as a
major components of plasma membranes in
living organisms. Hydrophobic tail and
Hydrophilic head.
• Steroids are lipids with geometric structures
based on a four-ring skeleton consisting of one
five-carbon rings. Cholesterol is the most
common steroid.
Summary
Proteins Nucleic Acids Carbohydrates Lipids
Fatty Acids.
Monomers Amino Acids Nucleotides Monosaccharides
Glycerol
Phospholipids,
Polymers Polypeptides Nucleic Acids Polysaccharides
Steroids, Waxes
Phosphodiester
Bonds Peptide Linkages
Linkages
Glycosidic Linkages Ester Linkages
Synthetic macromolecules
• Can be classified into two
subtypes:
• Addition polymer, which is
produced by making
monomers simply stick
together. Example of this is
polyethylene (PET)
• Condensation polymer,
formed when two molecules
are joined to form a larger
molecule. Example of this are
nylons.