introduction to macromolecules

• Cells join smaller organic molecules together to

  form larger molecules called macromolecules
• Each macromolecule is made up of “subunits”

  which are the “bricks” or building blocks of each

  very large molecule
• Four major classes of biological macromolecules

  1. carbohydrates
  2. lipids
  3. proteins
  4. nucleic acid
• Polymers are made up of many small, repeating molecular units known as monomers
• Classification: Carbohydrates

  Monomer: Monosaccharides (e.g.

  glucose, fructose)

  Polymer: Polysaccharides (e.g.

  amylopectin = plant

  starch)
• Classification: Lipids


  Monomer: glycerol + fatty acid

  Polymer: Lipids (e.g.

  triglyceride)
• Classification: Proteins

  Monomer: amino acids

  Polymer: polypeptide

  (e.g. collagen)
• Classification: Nucleic Acids


  Monomer: Nucleotides

  (A, C, G, T, U)

  Polymer: Nucleic acid

  (e.g. deoxyribose nucleic

  acid)