Basis of Macromolecules

• Macromolecules are the molecules of life.
• Macromolecules are large molecules composed of thousands of covalently connected atoms that contain Carbon-Hydrogen bonds.
• 4 types of macromolecules: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, & Nucleic Acids.
• Structure dictates function.
• No element is close to matching carbon's versatility.
• Atoms can form millions of different large and complex structures.
• Atoms can easily bond with elements and each other.
• Atoms can form chains and rings.
• Atoms can form single, double, and triple bonds.
• Macromolecules: large organic molecules from many smaller molecules.
• Monomer: specific subunits joined together to construct a specific larger molecule.
• Monomers are covalently bonded.
• Polymer: long molecule consisting of many similar "building blocks"
• Polymers are made up of monomers.
• Thousands of different polymers in each cell vary depending on cells, organisms, and species.
• Huge variety of polymers can be built from a small amount of monomers.