Macromolecules
Macromolecules

Monomers make up polymers (macromolecules)
Polymerization
Polymerization:
Smaller units
called monomers join together
to make polymers
1. Carbohydrates
 -They
are made of: Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen
in a ratio of 1:2:1
 -Are sugars (words ending in “ose”)
 -Living
things use carbohydrates as their main
source of energy. Plants use carbs for
structural purposes.
Simple Sugars
(Monosaccharides & Disaccharides)
 -The
human body can only use sugar in the simplest form
(monosaccharides).
 examples:
glucose (C6H12O6,), galactose, fructose
 Disaccharides
 examples:
fructose.
are double sugars.
-sucrose (C12H22O11) consists of glucose and
“-ose” and “saccharide” mean SUGAR
lactose consists of galactose and glucose
Polysaccharide
One
polysaccharide = Many
monosaccharides
Plants
store sugar in polysaccharides
known as starches
Animals
store sugar in polysaccharides
known as glycogen
2. Lipids
 Monomers:
Glycerol & Fatty Acids
 NOT soluble in water (insoluble)
 3 categories: fats, oils, waxes
 Store energy, & important parts of biological
membranes and waterproof coverings.
 Examples:
steroids, hormones (chemical
messengers), fat, oil, soap
Monomers of Lipids
Saturated VS Unsaturated
3. Nucleic Acids
 -Nucleic
acids are polymers made from monomers
called nucleotides.
Examples of Nucleic Acids? We all
contain them….
Nucleic Acid = DNA, RNA,…
4. Protein
-Proteins
are polymers of monomers
called amino acids.
In
living things, proteins make up
cellular structures. Also, enzymes are
proteins.
Protein Shape

The shape of a protein is extremely important.
The function of a protein is based on it’s shape!
 Enzymes
(a protein) speed up chemical processes in
the body.
 What
happens if the enzyme is denatured (changes
shape)?
 “Ase”
means enzyme. Ex. Lactase (breaks down
lactose)
To Review…
What
is a monomer? What is a
polymer?
What are the 4 macromolecules &
their monomers?
What macromolecule is an enzyme?
Polymerization

Get 2 dixi cups and 2 spoons.

In Cup 1: Add 3 teaspoons of glue and 3 teaspoons of
water.

In Cup 2: Add 1 small teaspoon of borax and 3 teaspoons
of water.

Bring back to your group. Mix both cups VERY WELL.

SLOWLY add borax/water little by little into glue/water.

Why does this happen??
Polymerization
Enzymes!