9.2.2 Macromolecules

• Macromolecules

  • Carbohydrates
  • Proteins
  • Lipids (fats and oils)
• Monosaccharides

  One unit
• Glucose

  A monosaccharide
• Glucose is made of the elements: carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
• Disaccharides

  Two units
• Disaccharides

  • Sucrose
  • Maltose
  • Lactose

  
• Polysaccharides

  Many units
• Polysaccharides

  • Starch
  • Glycogen
  • Cellulose

  
• Proteins

  • Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and nitrogen
  • Made up of long chains of amino acids
• Proteins in the body

  • Hormones
  • Enzymes
  • Antigen and antibodies
  • Transport proteins in membranes
• The sequence of amino acids in a protein determines its shape and function

  
• Lipids

  • Contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
  • Consist of 1 glycerol molecule and 3 fatty acid tails

  
• Elements in macromolecules

  • Carbon
  • Hydrogen
  • Oxygen
  • Nitrogen
• Water is important for all living organisms as many substances are able to dissolve in it (it is a solvent)
• Importance of water

  • Dissolved substances can be easily transported around organisms
  • Digested food molecules can be moved to cells all over the body
  • Toxic substances and substances in excess can be removed from the body in urine
  • Plays a role in ensuring metabolic reactions can happen as necessary in cells
• Monosaccharides

  • Glucose
  • Fructose
  • Galactose
• Glycogen

  The polysaccharide structure represents the main storage form of glucose in the body, often found in muscles and the liver
• Protein

  Biological molecule made up of amino acids
• Lipid/Fat

  Biological molecule made up of glycerol and fatty acids