SHS- Physical Science (Biological Macromolecules)

I-Introductory Content
Food is a source of nutrients that are needed for life. Nutrients are biological
molecules. Biological molecules are the chemical components which exist in all living
things. They are life’s building blocks. All things are formed from these organic
molecules. There are four biological molecules that make up all of life.
Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.

Biological macromolecules are large, organic molecule such as

carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Most of them are organic
compounds and the functional group determines their chemical properties.
Biomolecules have a huge variety of functions such as primary energy source, major
structural component of cells and cell membranes, protection and carry the genetic
blueprint of a cell and carry instructions for the functioning of the cell.

In this learning packet, you will know the vital, essential role of the biological
macromolecules in cell structure and function.

II- Learning Competency

At the end of this learning packet, you are expected to:
 Classify the four types of biological marcomolecules; and
 Explain how the structures of biological macromolecules such as
carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acid and proteins determine their
properties and functions

III-Activities
Biological molecule is any of numerous substances that are produced
by cells and living organisms. Biomolecules have a wide range of sizes and
structures and perform a vast array of functions. The four major types of
biomolecules are carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.
1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are macromolecules with which most consumers are

somewhat familiar. Carbohydrates are essential part of our diet; grains, fruits, and
vegetables are all natural sources of carbohydrates. Carbohydrates provide energy
to the body, particularly through glucose, a simple sugar. Carbohydrates also have
other important functions in humans, animals, and plants. Carbohydrates have
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several functions in cells. They are an excellent source of energy for the many
different activities going on in our cells. Some carbohydrates may have a structural
function. For example, the material that makes plants stand tall and gives wood its
tough properties is a polymer form of glucose known as cellulose. Other types of
sugar polymers make up the stored forms of energy known as starch and glycogen.
Starch is found in plant products such as potatoes and glycogen is found in animals.

The word carbohydrate may be broken down to carbon and hydrate. Another
term for carbohydrate is saccharide. Carbohydrates are classified either as simple
or complex. Simple sugars are monosaccharide and disaccharides. Complex
sugars are polysaccharides.

The different saccharides that humans eat are converted to glucose which can
be readily used by the body. The excessive consumption of carbohydrates is
converted to glycogen which is stored in the liver and in muscles. Glycogen is a
slow releasing carbohydrate

Monosaccharide (one saccharide)

Glucose Found in dextrose, blood sugar; the form utilized by
the human body
Galactose found in milk and milk products

Fructose found in fruits and honey

Disaccharides (two saccharides)

Maltose glucose + glucose found in malt
Sucrose glucose + fructose found in regular table sugar,
sugarcane, and sugar beet
Lactose glucose + galactose found in milk and milk products

Polysaccharides (many saccharides)

Starch / Amylose storage form of glucose in plants

Amylopectin storage form of glucose in plants

Glycogen storage form of glucose in animal; stored in the liver and

muscles

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 Cellulose structural material in plants--cell wall in wood, wood fiber
cannot be digested by humans

2. Protein
The word protein came from the Greek term “proteios” meaning first. One can
think of protein as the beginning of life. From egg albumin being pure protein to
sperm and egg cells, we all start from proteins. Proteins are composed of four
elements, namely, carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen. Sulfur and other metals
are sometimes also found in proteins. If carbohydrates are made up of saccharides,
proteins are made up of amino acids. An amino acid is a molecule that has an amine
and a carboxyl group. There are 20 amino acids. The combination of many amino
acids creates protein. Amino acids are joined together with a peptide bond. Proteins
are also called polypeptides. One or more polypeptide chains twisted into a 3-D
shape form a protein. Proteins have complex shapes that include various folds,
loops, and curves. Folding in proteins happens spontaneously. Chemical
bonding between portions of the polypeptide chain aid in holding the protein together
and giving it its shape.
Protein Structure

The shape of a protein is critical to its function. To understand how the protein
gets its final shape or conformation, we need to understand the four levels of protein
structure: primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary.

Source:Image modified from OpenStax Biology's modification of work by the National Human
Genome Research Institute
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Primary Structure- describes the unique sequence or order in which amino acids
are linked together to form a protein. The unique sequence and number of amino
acids in a polypeptide chain is its primary structure. The unique sequence for every
protein is ultimately determined by the gene that encodes the protein. Any change in
the gene sequence may lead to a different amino acid being added to the
polypeptide chain, causing a change in protein structure and function.

Proteins are constructed from a set of 20 amino acids All amino acids have the
alpha carbon bonded to a hydrogen atom, carboxyl group, and an amino group. The
amino acid sequence of a protein is determined by the information found in the
cellular genetic code. The order of amino acids in a polypeptide chain is unique and
specific to a particular protein. Altering a single amino acid causes a gene mutation,
which most often results in a non-functioning protein

Secondary Structure refers to the coiling or folding of a polypeptide chain that gives
the protein its 3-D shape. There are two types of secondary structures observed in
proteins. One type is the alpha (α) helix structure. This structure resembles a coiled
spring and is secured by hydrogen bonding in the polypeptide chain. The second
type of secondary structure in proteins is the beta (β) pleated sheet. This structure
appears to be folded or pleated and is held together by hydrogen bonding between
polypeptide units of the folded chain that lie adjacent to one another.

Tertiary Structure refers to the comprehensive 3-D structure of the polypeptide

chain of a protein.. Tertiary structure of a protein consists of the way a
polypeptide is formed of a complex molecular shape. This is caused by R-
group interactions such as ionic and hydrogen bonds, disulphide bridges, and
hydrophobic & hydrophilic interactions. Their tertiary structure gives proteins a
very specific shape and is an important feature in the 'lock and key' funct ion
of enzymes, or receptor sites on cell membranes .

Quaternary Structure refers to the structure of a protein macromolecule formed by

interactions between multiple polypeptide chains. Each polypeptide chain is referred
to as a subunit. Proteins with quaternary structure may consist of more than one of
the same type of protein subunit. They may also be composed of different subunits.
Hemoglobin is an example of a protein with quaternary structure. Hemoglobin, found
in the blood, is an iron-containing protein that binds oxygen molecules. It contains
four subunits: two alpha subunits and two beta subunits.

Protein Types and its functions

Type Examples Functions

Digestive Enzymes Amylase,Lipase,
pepsin,trypsin
Transport Hemoglobin, albumin
Structural Actin, Tubulin, Keratin
Hormones Insulin, thyroxine
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Help in digestion of food by
catabolizing nutrients into
monomeric units
Carry substances in the blood
or lymph throughout the body
Construct different structures,
like the cytoskeleton
Coordinate the activity of
different body systems
Defense Protect the body from foreign
Immunoglobulins
pathogens
Contractile
Actin, myosin Effect muscle contraction

Storage Provide nourishment in early

Legume storage proteins,
development of the embryo
egg white (albumin)
and the seedling

Examples of Proteins

Keratin. It is a structural protein found in hair, skin, and nails. It is a highly cross-
linked protein containing α-helix and β-pleated sheets. Sheep’s wool is made largely
of keratin.
Fibroin. It is found in silk. Silk has a smooth and soft texture. It is one of the
strongest natural fibers that have high resistance to deformation. It is also a good
insulation. Silk is primarily composed of β-pleated sheets. The long polypeptide
chain doubles back on its own running parallel connected together by H-bonds.

Collagen. It is a major insoluble fibrous protein found in connective tissues such as

tendons, ligaments, skin, cartilage and the cornea of the eye. It comprises as much
as 30% of proteins in animals. Its strength is attributed to its triple helix structure
comprising of α-helices braided together. When several triple helices combine, they
form the fibrils that make up connective tissues

Enzymes. It functions to catalyze chemical reactions. They either speed up a

reaction, lower the needed energy for a reaction to take place, or bind substances to
their specific partners. Enzymes themselves are very specific as can be seen in their
shape. Examples of enzymes are: (1) Lipase - help in digestion of fats; (2) Pepsin -
help in breaking down proteins into peptides (smaller units); (3) Sucrase - also
called invertase, help in the digestion of sugars and starches.

Myoglobin. It is a polypeptide that stores oxygen in muscles. It is a globular protein

comprised of 153 amino acids in a single polypeptide chain. It contains a heme
group which has an iron (II) ion at its center. This is where the oxygen is stored.
Hemoglobin. It is a globular protein that carries oxygen from the lungs to the
bloodstream. It is composed of four sub-units, each containing a heme group that
enables it to transport four oxygen molecules at a time.
3. Lipids or Fats

The word lipid comes from the Greek word “lipos” which means fat. Lipids are
a family of biomolecules having varied structures. They are grouped together simply
because of their hydrophilic property (water-fearing). They are soluble in non-polar
solvents such as ether, acetone, and benzene. Lipids also serve other functions

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such as material for cell membrane, insulation to maintain body temperature, aid in
digestion, and as signal molecules. Lipids perform many different functions in a cell.
Cells store energy for long-term use in the form of lipids called fats. Lipids also
provide insulation from the environment for plants and animals. For example, they
help keep aquatic birds and mammals dry because of their water-repelling nature.
Lipids are also the building blocks of many hormones and are an important
constituent of the plasma membrane.
There are different classifications of lipids: triglyceride, phospholipid, wax,
and steroid. The lipid family is one of the most varied in terms of structure but they
share the common property of being insoluble in water.
Fat and oil are the most common examples of lipids. They are under
triglycerides because they are composed of glycerol and three fatty acids. Fat refers
to solid triglyceride usually from animal sources such as meat, milk, butter,
margarine, eggs, and cheese. Oil refers to liquid triglycerides from plant sources.
Examples are olive oil, corn oil, sunflower oil, and soybean oil. Animal fats contain
high percentages of saturated fatty acids while plant oils are mostly unsaturated fatty
acids.

Structure of different Lipids include fats, such as triglycerides, which are made up of
fatty acids and glycerol, phospholipids, and steroids.

Source: https://opentextbc.ca/biology/wpcontent/uploads/sites/96/2015/02/Figure_02_03_06.jpg

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4. Nucleic Acid
Nucleic acids play an essential role in the storage, transfer, and expression
of genetic information. It contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and
phosphorus. The most common examples of nucleic acids are DNA
(deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA(ribonucleic acid). DNA is a nucleic acid that carries
the genetic code of organisms. It is fondly termed as the blueprint of life. RNA, on
another hand, carries the information from the DNA to the cellular factories for the
synthesis of proteins. nucleic acids are composed of nucleotides. Nucleic acids are
also known as polynucleotides. A nucleotide has three parts: a. Nitrogenous base;
b. Five-carbon carbohydrate or sugar; and c. Phosphate group
The nitrogenous bases of DNA and RNA are: DNA’s : Adenine (A), Guanine
(G), Cytosine (C), and Thymine (T) RNA’s : Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Cytosine (C),
and Uracil (U). DNA has a different sugar group than RNA. DNA has deoxyribose
while RNA has ribose.

Source: Commission on Higher Education, Teaching Guide for Senior High School Physical Science

The illustration above shows that DNA is double stranded and RNA is single
stranded. The bases are paired up as can be seen in DNA. The bases C and G have
three H-bonds between them, and A and T have two. Hydrogen bonding is greatly
responsible for the shape of both RNA and DNA. The different nucleotides are
connected in a chain via phosphodiester bonds.
The sequence of the base pairs in one’s DNA is unique for every organism
(except for identical twins). The DNA and the cell containing it determine the kind of
protein that will be synthesized. The different proteins are then responsible for the

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processes that carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and other substances in the body
undertake.
The central dogma illustrates the flow of genetic information in cells, the DNA
replication, and coding for the RNA through the transcription process and further
RNA codes for the proteins by translation. This vital process in which the genetic
information flows from DNA to RNA, to make a functional product protein.

Source: https://images.app.goo.gl/zwknMUbNfNEezUdK9

Activity 1. Classifying Biomolecules

Direction: Classify the biomolecules in colored boxes carbohydrates yellow; protein

blue; lipids green; nucleic acids purple

starch .polysaccharide
cholesterol .phospholipid
steroid glycerol
glycogen monosaccharide
nucleotide cellulose
RNA amino acid
polypeptide chain enzyme
glucose saturated fat
unsaturated fatty
acid DNA
maltose collagen

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Activity 02. Summarize your learning by filling-up the table below.
Proteins Lipids Nucleic acid
Carbohydrates
What elements are
they composed of?

What is the
monomer?

What is its function

for the body?

Give at least two

examples

Activity 3. Let’s Apply to Reality

Macromolecule Plates and Glass
1. Write inside the first plate an example of food rich in carbohydrates that you have
eaten a while ago.

FIRST PLATE

What did you feel after eating the food rich in carbohydrates?
_______________________________________________________________

Why do you think you felt that way?

2. Write inside the second plate an example of food rich in lipids that you have eaten
a while ago.

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 SECOND PLATE

What did you feel after eating the food rich in lipids?
____________________________________________________________

3. Write inside the third plate an example of food rich in protein that you have eaten
a while ago and tell us what you feel about what you have eaten.

THIRD PLATE

What did you feel after eating the protein - rich food?
_____________________________________________________________
4. Write inside the glass the function of nucleic acids.

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Answer Key
Activity 1: Classifying Biomolecules

starch polypeptide cholesterol Nucleotide

glycogen chain steroid DNA
glucose .amino acid unsaturated RNA
.maltose enzyme fatty acid
polysaccharide collagen .phospholipid
monosaccharide glycerol
cellulose saturated fat

Activity 2:

Description Carbohydrates Protein Lipids Nucleic

Acid
Elements C,H,O C,H,O,N C,H,O C,H,O,N,P
Monomer Saccharides Amino acids Fatty
acids(technically, Nucleotide
there s
Is not one
uniform sub unit
for lipids)
Used Primary source Structural Source of energy, Protein
/function of energy in the material, maintaining body synthesis,
body, structural Enzyme, heat, Aid in code of
material in Storage digestion,material life
plants molecule, for cell
transport membrane,
Molecule, Signal molecules
Antibody
Examples Bread, Rice, Meat, dairy Oil, butter,
fruits, grains, product, nuts,fish
root crops, nuts,egg
sugar Etc.

Activity 3: Lets apply to reality

Answer may vary

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IV- Reflection:
Share your final insights by completing the following sentence prompts.
I have learned that…

I wish to ask my teacher about…

V- References:
Commission on Higher Education. Teaching Guide for Senior High School: Physical
Science. Book.
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B869YF0KEHr7SHFGVG5mVFFhcXc/view.

https://www.thoughtco.com/protein-structure-373563

https://opentextbc.ca/biology/chapter/2-3-biological-molecules/

Wikipedia.2020. “Carbohydrate loading.” Last modified April 19, 2020.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/carbohydarateloading

Villar, Amy B.&Tullao, Jenniffer O. Writers, Physical Science Quarter 7: Biological

Macromolecules ,(2020) Alternative Delivery Mode. Department of Education

Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-Share Alike 4.0

Campbell, N. & Reece, J. Campbell Biology. Ninth Edition. Pearson. USA. (2005)

Commission on Higher Education. Teaching Guide for Senior High School

PhysicalScience.(2016)

Timberlake, K. C. Chemistry: An Introduction to General, Organic, and Biological

Chemistry
5th ed. United States of America: HarperCollins Publishers Inc. (1992)

McMurry, J. E., Fay, R. C. Chemistry 5th ed. United States of America: Pearson
Prentice Hall.(2008)

Boyer, R. Concepts in Biochemistry 3rd ed. Asia: John Wiley & Sons Inc (4) see
additional resources. (2006)

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 SDO Ligao City Development Team

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AGNES P. RABELAS, Ligao National High School

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Language Editor:

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JOSE ROY S. AQUILAR, Head Teacher VI - CNHS

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