Unit 1:

Macromolecules
The Four Classes of Macromolecules
1.Carbohydrates
2.Lipids (fats)
3.Proteins
4.Nucleic Acids
 What’s so special about these
molecules?
• All macromolecules contain these elements:
– Carbon
– Hydrogen
– Oxygen
• Some macromolecules also contain
– Nitrogen→ only in proteins and nucleic acids
– Phosphorus→ only in nucleic acids
• They’re all made of monomers (small
compounds)
• Monomers combine in the act of polymerization
to make polymers (large compounds)
 Carbohydrates
Monomer: monosaccharide
Polymer: disaccharide & polysaccharides
Uses: short-term energy
Examples: glucose, fructose, sucrose (glucose+fructose),
lactose (glucose+galactose), starch (in plants), cellulose
Sources: breads, pasta, potatoes, vegetables, fruits, sugar
Elements: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen
 Lipids
Monomer: fatty acid + glycerol
Uses: long-term energy, insulation, cell
membranes
Examples: triglycerides, steroids-cholesterol,
phospholipids
Sources: fats, oil, butter
Elements: C, H, O
 Proteins
Monomer: amino acid
Polymer: polypeptide
Uses: cell functions, structures, movements,
Examples: enzymes, keratin, collagen, hemoglobin
Sources: meat, nuts, seeds, beans
Elements: C, H, O, N
 Nucleic Acids
Monomer: nucleotide- made of a
sugar, phosphate, and nitrogenous
base
Polymer: DNA & RNA
Uses: genetic code
Examples: DNA and RNA
Elements: C, H, O, N, P
 Video Review
Amoeba Sisters-Biomolecules