Introduction to macromolecules

Macromolecules are used  to create cells…. Macromolecules are found in foods..

 Group 1: Carbohydrates

 All living things use

carbohydrates as

a source of energy.

Carbohydrates are made from simple sugar molecules called glucose

These carbohydrates (macromolecules of monosaccharides=polysaccharides) are

1)Glycogen in animals ---(muscle)

2)Starch in plants

Plants also make a special polysaccharide

1)Cellulose that is used for plant structure

Group 2: Lipids & Fats

-Large/varied group….

-Does not dissolve in water (not soluble)

-Made up of long chains of mostly

      C & H (w/ few O)

3 groups of Fats:oils, fats and waxes

Functions of Fats

1) store energy

(why?)  (where is the energy stored?)

2) to create membranes (where?)

3) To use as waterproof coverings

Group 3: Nucleic Acids

These Macromolecules contain:

C, H, O, N, and Phosphorous.

There are 2 types of Nucleic Acids:
1)
2)

Nucleic Acids are polymers

assembled from monomers called

NUCLEOTIDES.

There are 4 nitrogen bases:
1) adenine
2) guanine
3) cytosine
4) thymine

The function of Nucleic Acids is to:

 Store and transmit hereditary information.  (genes)

Group 5: Proteins:

These are Macromolecules that contain

C, H, O, N

Proteins are polymers of monomers called

Amino acids (a.a.)

All Amino Acids have :

1)An amino group

    (NH2) on 1 end

2) A carboxyl group

   (COOH) at other

    end

3) A Carbon group