Macromolecules

Macromolecules

1. Proteins

   • amino group, hydrogen, carboxyl group and R variable group around a central carbon
   • Monomer: amino acid
   • enzymes speed up chemical reactions, build body structures
   • Ex: enzymes, beans, meat, fish, egg whites, antibodies

2. carbohydrates

   • hydrogen, carbon, oxygen in 1:2:1 ration; forms carbon rings
   • provides short term energy
   • Ex: Starch, glucose, bread, rice, vegetables, fruits
   • Monomer: Monosaccharide

3. Nucleic Acids

   • Monomer: Nucleotides
   • Polymer is shaped like a helix
   • build proteins and pass on hereditary information
   • Ex: DNA, RNA

4. Lipids

   • hydrogen, carbon, oxygen in hydrocarbon chains
   • Monomer: Fatty Acids
   • Provides long term energy storage and makes up the cell membrane
   • Ex: fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, steroids, pigments