BIOLOGICAL MACROMOLECULES

Research 3 Reinforcement
KEY CONCEPT: Carbon-based molecules are the foundation of life.
Carbon atoms are the basis of most molecules that make up living things. Many carbon-based
molecules are large molecules called polymers that are made of many smaller, repeating molecules
called monomers. There are four main types of carbon-based molecules in living things.
1) Carbohydrates include sugars and starches, and are often broken down as a source of chemical
Macromolecules

energy for cells. Some carbohydrates are part of cell structure, such as cellulose, which makes up
BiologicalSC.912.L.18.1

plant cell walls.

2) Lipids include fats and oils and, like carbohydrates, are often broken down as a source of chemical
energy for cells. One type of lipid, called a phospholipid, makes up most of all cell membranes.
3) Proteins have a large number of structures and functions. Some proteins are needed for muscle
movement; another protein, called hemoglobin, transports oxygen in blood. Another type of
proteins, called enzymes, speed up chemical reactions in cells.
4) Nucleic acids are molecules that store genetic information and build proteins. DNA stores genetic
information in cells and RNA helps to build the proteins for which DNA codes.

Type of Molecule Functions Example Molecular Structure

The four primary functions of
carbohydrates in the body are to
provide energy, store energy, include sugars and starches, and
build macromolecules, and are often broken down as a
Carbohydrate
spare protein and fat for other source of chemical energy for
uses. Glucose energy is stored cells.
as glycogen, with most of it in
the muscle and liver.
include fats and oils and, like
they serve as structural carbohydrates, are often broken
components of cell membranes, down as a source of chemical
Lipid function as energy storehouses, energy for cells. One type of
and function as important lipid, called a phospholipid,
signaling molecules. makes up most of all cell
membranes.
Protein Proteins are large, complex Some proteins are needed for
molecules that play many muscle movement; another
critical roles in the body. They protein, called hemoglobin,
do most of the work in cells and transports oxygen in blood.
are required for the structure, Another type of proteins, called
function, and regulation of the enzymes, speed up chemical
body's tissues and organs. reactions in cells.
Two examples of nucleic acids
include DNA and RNA. These
The functions of nucleic acids molecules are composed of long
have to do with the storage and strands of nucleotides held
Nucleic acid
expression of genetic together by covalent bonds.
information. Nucleic acids can be found
within the nucleus and
cytoplasm of our cells.
Research 3