Four Groups of Macromolecules

Molecular and Cell Biology For Dummies

Macromolecules are just that – large molecules. The four groups of macromolecules, shown in
the table below, are essential to the structure and function of a cell.
Group
Large Molecule Function To Identify, Look for . . .
(Building Block)
Energy storage,
Carbohydrate Made of C,H, and O; –OH’s
Polysaccharide receptors, structure of
(Monosaccharide) on all carbons except one
plant cell wall
Enzymes, structure,
Protein Contain N, have N-C-C
Polypeptide or protein receptors, transport,
(Amino acid) backbone
and more
Contain N in rings,
nucleotide
Nucleic acid Polynucleotide or Information storage
(Nucleotide) nucleic acid and transfer
s made of sugar, phosphate
and
nitrogenous base
Made of C,H, and O; lots of
Lipid * Fats, oils, waxes, Membrane structure, C-H bonds; may have some
(
Glycerol, fatty phosopholipids, energy storage, C=C bonds
acids) steroids insulation (unsaturated); steroids have
4 rings
*Lipids are not
polymers.