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3 Introduction to
Biological Macromolecules
Chemical Bonds

Covalent: Sharing of electrons (Molecule created by two or more atoms

in a covalent bond). A single bond (sharing one pair of electrons) in a
structural formula is represented by one line connecting two atoms. A
double bond is the sharing of two pairs of electrons. A structural formula
is represented by two lines connecting two atoms. Electronegativity is
the atom's attraction for electrons in a covalent bond.

Examples: methane (CH4), carbon monoxide (CO), and iodine

monobromide (IBr).

Ionic: Transfer of electrons/electrostatic attraction between a positive

and negative ion (after the transfer, both atoms have complete valence
shells) (ionic compounds/salts formed).

Examples: Sodium Chloride NaCl, Lithium Fluoride LiF.

Metallic Bonds

Metallic bonds are formed by the attraction between metal ions and
delocalized, or "free", electrons. Examples: iron, cobalt, silver, gold,
platinum, copper, zinc.
 Polymers and Monomers

Polymer: a long molecule composed of many molecules bonded

together covalently. (composed of multiple monomers) (Poly-many). Out
of the main biological macromolecules, lipids, do not usually form
polymers.

Monomer: are small building block molecules that, when combined,

make a polymer. (mono-one)

Covalent Bonds

Nonpolar Covalent bond: the equal sharing of electrons and

distribution of charge (smaller electronegativity differences as seen in
the gure above).

Polar covalent bond: Unequal sharing of electrons and distribution of

charge causes partial positive or partial negative for each atom or
molecule (higher electronegativity differences as seen in the image
above).

• InTRAmolecular bonds: within the molecule (Covalent bonds).

• InTERmolecular bonds: between water molecules (Hydrogen

bonds).

Hydrogen atom bonded with an electronegative atom is attracted to

another electronegative atom. The ability of hydrogen to interact with
Fluorine, Nitrogen, and oxygen (FNO). (WEAK ATTRACTION).
It is important to note that Hydrogen bonds are NOT covalent bonds.

Dehydration Synthesis & Hydrolysis

Dehydration Synthesis: occurs when monomers combine to form a

polymer through a reaction after water is removed (dehydrate - water
lost). One monomer donates OH- and another monomer donates H+
forming H20. It is a condensation reaction, requires energy (making it an
endergonic reaction) and enzymes, and builds complexity (anabolic-
small molecules bind together to form larger molecules).
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Hydrolysis: occurs when polymers are broken down into monomers
through a reaction due to the addition of water (hydro - water, lysis -
break) (Digestion). It uses H2O to break down the molecules splitting
into H+ and OH-. Releases energy (exergonic) and requires enzymes.
Reduces complexity (catabolic).