Biochemistry Notes
MACROMOLECULES
Organic Compounds and Their Properties Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is the study of: molecules containing carbon to carbon bonds.
Macromolecules are very large organic molecules. Four Biological Macromolecules
Carbohydrates - starches & sugars Lipids - fats Proteins Nucleic Acids- DNA & RNA Building Blocks of Life To build macromolecules, smaller units (subunits) called monomers are put together.
Many single units, called monomers , bond together to form larger chains called polymers. Fig. 2-12
Monomer
Polymer Carbohydrates
Elements: 1C:2H:1O
starches and sugars Carbohydrates
MONOMER: Glucose – C6H12 O6 -simple sugar that cell’s use as its main source of energy (Blood Sugar)
POLYMERS: Starch, Glycogen, & Cellulose Carbohydrates
Food Sources: –Starches: bread, cereal, pasta, rice, potato, oats –Sugars: candy, fruit, milk, sodas Carbohydrate Storage
Starch – molecules created by plants to store excess glucose. Shape: Long polymer chains of glucose
Glycogen – molecules created by animals to store excess glucose in the liver and in muscle tissue until needed. Shape: Long branching polymer chains of glucose Structural Carbohydrate Cellulose – forms cell walls of plants and gives plant structural support -found in wood, paper, cotton, straw. -source of dietary fiber (vegetables & fruit)
Shape: Long compact polymer chains of glucose Cellulose
All are polymers of Glucose LIPIDS Fats, Oils & Waxes Elements: C,H,O
Lipids are non-polar –repel water. Lipid Monomers
Monomers: Fatty Acids and Glycerol. Two polymers: Saturated & Unsaturated fats.
G F a t t y A c i d s L Y C F a t t y A c i d s E R O F a t t y A c i d s L Importance of Lipids (fats) Functions in body: Provide long term energy (1 gram fat = 9 calories, 1 gram carbohydrate = 4 calories)
Major part of cell membranes
Provide insulation/cushion to body organs Lipid Polymers Unsaturated fats : The Good Fats
Shape: Where found : 3 fatty acids bonded Most vegetable oils, to a glycerol canola oil, olive oil “E”=liquid
G L Y C E R O L F a t t y A c i d s Saturated fats : The Bad Fats Shape: Where found: animal fat, 3 fatty acids bonded to a butter, bacon, glycerol “E”=solid margarine, shortening
G F a t t y A c i d s L Y C F a t t y A c i d s E R O F a t t y A c i d s L Where else can I find Lipids ? Cholesterol Some hormones Beeswax and earwax PROTEINS Elements:C,H,O,N PROTEINS Monomers: Amino Acids -20 different ones (the order and kind determine the type of protein) Two polymers: Structural Proteins & Enzymes
Food Sources: Meats, fish, eggs, beans, cheese, milk Importance of Structural Proteins
1. Build and repair muscle, bone, tendons, ligaments, hair, feathers, nails, skin,etc.
2. Part of cell membranes.
3. Helps blood transport oxygen and form clots.
4. Aid with the immune system defense. Shape of a Structural Protein Where are they found?
Feathers Silk Hair & Nails
Muscles Bones Skin Blood Enzymes Function -biological catalyst that speeds up & controls all chemical reactions in the body
Shape: Long chains of amino acids folded into shapes that have grooves to fit other molecules. Enzymes- have an active site where a substrate binds. Fragile Enzymes
Enzymes are found working in every cell of the body. Any extreme change in pH or temperature can denature or unravel a protein. Denatured proteins can not return it their original shape and no longer function. Nucleic Acids Elements:C,H,O,N,P NUCLEIC ACIDS Monomers: Parts of a Nucleotide Nucleotide P
Polymers: S NB DNA, RNA, ATP
Food Sources: Fresh unprocessed foods DNA Function: DNA stores the genetic information needed to build your body, and maintain it for life.
Shape: Double Helix- two chains of nucleotides bonded down the middle like a zipper to form a twisted ladder shape.
Where Found: In the nucleus of every cell of the body . Structure of DNA RNA Function: RNA carries out the instructions found in DNA. It is used in making proteins.
Shape: A single chain of nucleotides
Where Found: Inside and outside of nucleus . RNA and DNA Structure