Macromolecule

Function

Elements

Monomers

Functional Group(s) 

Synthesis

Breakdown

Carbohydrates

readily available source of energy

C, H, O

simple sugars or monosaccharides

alcohol and aldehyde or ketone

dehydration synthesis (see page 35, figure 3.2 in the text)

hydrolysis**

Lipids*

energy storage

C, H, O

glycerol and fatty acids

alcohol and carboxyl

dehydration synthesis (see p 39, figure 3.5 in the text and p 2-30 in SG)

hydrolysis

Proteins

MANY:structural components, enzymes,   many hormones, receptors and transport molecules associated with the cell membrane

C, H, O, N

amino acids

amino and carboxyl

dehydration synthesis (see p 43, figure 3.9 in the text and p 2-29 in the SG)

hydrolysis

Nucleic Acids

hereditary material

C, H, O, N, and P

nucleotides (composed of a five carbon sugar, a nitrogen containing base, and a phosphate group)

NOT REQUIRED TO KNOW

dehydration synthesis

hydrolysis

*Lipids are a diverse group both structurally and functionally. Waxes, steroids, phospholipids, and triglycerides are all lipids. The only common property of this group is their lack of solubility in water.  In the next unit, we will look at the properties of phospholipids and why its properties make it an ideal component of the cell membrane.   In Bio 102, you will study hormones and part of this study will be an examination of steroid hormones such as estrogen and testosterone.  All of this is a good example of how we'll use our chemistry knowledge throughout the course. In this unit, the only lipid that you are required to know  structural details for are triglycerides. Thus, all of the columns for lipids refer to triglycerides.  However, you should know the examples of other lipids named above as well as their function. You should also know that there are two basic groups of triglycerides - the fats and the oils. What are differences between fats and oils?

**Interestingly, neither the text nor the Study Guide has a diagram of hydrolysis in the chemistry section.  However, the text has diagrams of carbohydrate, fat, and protein digestion in the section that deals with chemical digestion (hydrolysis!). Those diagrams are on pages 664-666.

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Emma Erdahl, Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Virginia Community College
Last revised: 03/03/2003