macromolecules one page study guide

2 min read 18-03-2025

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!