7/7/2011

Biological macromolecules

Biological Science
(Nat(Nat-Sci II)

Living organisms assemble large molecules macromolecules that are more complex than molecules found in nonliving matter.
Same chemical laws apply. Four categories of biological macromolecules:
Nucleic acids Proteins Carbohydrates Lipids

Biological macromolecules
Recall the four major categories of biological macromolecules:
Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic acids

Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are compounds of carbon (C), hydrogen (H) and oxygen (O).
Usually found 1C:2H:1O. Usually grouped as H-C-OH.

Function as structural elements and as a source of chemical energy (ex. glucose).

7/7/2011

Carbohydrates
Plants use water (H2O) and carbon dioxide (CO2) along with solar energy to manufacture carbohydrates in the process of photosynthesis.
6CO2 + 6H2O C6H12O6 + 6O2 light Life depends on this reaction it is the starting point for the formation of food. Examples of Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates
Three classes of carbohydrates:
Monosaccharides simple sugars Disaccharides double sugars Polysaccharides complex sugars

Monosaccharides
Monosaccharides Single carbon chain 4-6 carbons.
Glucose C6H12O6
Can be straight chain or a ring.

7/7/2011

Monosaccharides
Some common monosaccharides:

Disaccharides
Disaccharides Two simple sugars bonded together.
Sucrose = glucose + fructose Lactose = glucose + galactose

Polysaccharides
Polysaccharides Many simple sugars bonded together in long chains.
Starch is the common polymer in which sugar is usually stored in plants. Glycogen is an important polymer for storing sugar in animals.
Found in liver and muscle cells can be converted to glucose when needed.

Lipids
Lipids are fatty substances.
Nonpolar insoluble in water Fatty acids smallest unit Neutral fats Phospholipids Steroids

Cellulose is the main structural carbohydrate in plants.

7/7/2011

Neutral Fats
Neutral fats are the major fuel of animals.
Triglycerides glycerol and 3 fatty acids

Examples of Lipids

Neutral Fats
Saturated fatty acids occur when every carbon holds two hydrogen atoms. Unsaturated fatty acids have two or more carbon atoms joined by double bonds.

Neutral Fats
Neutral fats are the major fuel of animals.
Triglycerides glycerol and 3 fatty acids

7/7/2011

Neutral Fats
Unsaturated fats can be found in foods like olives, nuts, canola oils, fish, sunflower and soy beans.

Saturated fats can be found in foods from animal products and processed foods like dairy products, cheese, ice creams, and fatty meats.

Phospholipids
Phospholipids are important components of cell membranes. They resemble triglycerides, except one fatty acid is replaced by phosphoric acid and an organic base. The phosphate group is charged (polar).

7/7/2011

Steroids
Steroids are complex alcohols with fatlike properties.
Cholesterol Vitamin D Adrenocortical hormones Sex hormones

Proteins
Proteins are large complex molecules composed of amino acids.
Amino acids linked by peptide bonds. Two amino acids joined dipeptide Many amino acids polypeptide chain

Proteins
There are 20 different types of amino acids.

Proteins
Proteins serve many functions.
Structural framework Enzymes that serve as catalysts

7/7/2011

Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are complex molecules with particular sequences of nitrogenous bases that encode genetic information.
The only molecules that can replicate themselves with help from enzymes. Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) Ribonucleic acid (RNA)

Examples of Proteins

The repeated units, called nucleotides, each contain a sugar, a nitrogenous base, and a phosphate group.

A nucleotide is made of:

DNA structure: Double Helix

7/7/2011

Genetic Program
Genetic information is coded in DNA. DNA is a long chain of nucleotides a sugar phosphate + nitrogenous base (A, C, G, & T).
The sequence of nucleotides codes for the order of amino acids in the protein specified.
The genetic code

7/7/2011

Genetic Program
RNA - is a single stranded chain of neuclotides a sugar phosphate + nitrogenous base (A, C, G, & U). RNA is trabscribed from DNA, and translated to protein by translation or protein synthesis.
The sequence of nucleotides codes for the order of amino acids in the protein specified.
The genetic code

Genetic Program
The genetic code is universal among living organisms from bacteria through humans.
Supports the concept of a single origin of life.