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macromolecules one page study guide

macromolecules one page study guide

2 min read 18-03-2025
macromolecules one page study guide

Introduction:

Macromolecules are large molecules essential for life. They're built from smaller subunits called monomers, joined together to form polymers. Understanding their structure and function is crucial in biology. This guide covers the four main types: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

  • Monomer: Monosaccharides (simple sugars like glucose, fructose)
  • Polymer: Polysaccharides (complex carbohydrates like starch, glycogen, cellulose)
  • Function: Energy storage (starch in plants, glycogen in animals), structural support (cellulose in plant cell walls).
  • Examples: Bread, pasta, potatoes provide starch. Fruits contain fructose and glucose.

Lipids

  • Monomer: Glycerol and fatty acids
  • Polymer: Triglycerides, phospholipids
  • Function: Energy storage (fats and oils), cell membrane structure (phospholipids), insulation, hormone production.
  • Types: Saturated (solid at room temperature, animal fats), unsaturated (liquid at room temperature, plant oils). Phospholipids form bilayers in cell membranes.

Proteins

  • Monomer: Amino acids (20 different types)
  • Polymer: Polypeptides (chains of amino acids folded into specific 3D structures)
  • Function: Enzymes (catalyze reactions), structural support (collagen), transport (hemoglobin), defense (antibodies), movement (actin, myosin).
  • Levels of Structure: Primary (amino acid sequence), secondary (alpha-helices and beta-sheets), tertiary (3D folding of a polypeptide), quaternary (interaction of multiple polypeptides).

Nucleic Acids

  • Monomer: Nucleotides (composed of a sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogenous base)
  • Polymer: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), RNA (ribonucleic acid)
  • Function: DNA stores genetic information, RNA aids in protein synthesis.
  • Types of Bases: DNA: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), thymine (T); RNA: adenine (A), guanine (G), cytosine (C), uracil (U). DNA is double-stranded, RNA is usually single-stranded.

Macromolecule Comparison Table

Macromolecule Monomer Polymer Function Examples
Carbohydrates Monosaccharide Polysaccharide Energy storage, structural support Starch, glycogen, cellulose
Lipids Glycerol & Fatty Acids Triglycerides, Phospholipids Energy storage, cell membranes Fats, oils, phospholipids
Proteins Amino Acids Polypeptides Enzymes, structure, transport, etc. Enzymes, collagen, hemoglobin
Nucleic Acids Nucleotides DNA, RNA Genetic information, protein synthesis DNA, RNA

Key Differences and Similarities

  • Dehydration Synthesis: All macromolecules are formed through dehydration synthesis (removal of water to join monomers).
  • Hydrolysis: Macromolecules are broken down through hydrolysis (addition of water to break bonds between monomers).
  • Diversity: The diversity of macromolecules is vast due to the different arrangements of monomers. For instance, the sequence of amino acids determines a protein's function.

This one-page study guide provides a concise overview of macromolecules. Remember to consult your textbook and lecture notes for more in-depth information. Good luck with your studies!

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