Macromolecules are large molecules composed of many subunits or monomers linked together. There are four main types of macromolecules: carbohydrates which provide energy, proteins which make up cells and catalyze reactions, lipids which store energy efficiently, and nucleic acids which store genetic information. Each macromolecule type has characteristic monomer subunits that polymerize to form larger structures with distinct functions, such as starch, keratin, phospholipids, and DNA/RNA.

1. MACROMOLECULES
NOTES

2. MACROMOLECULES
• Macro – large
• Name means large
molecules

3. VOCABULARY
• Monomer – subunit or one molecule
• Monomers are connected to create polymers
–Ex. Amino acids, nucleotides, fatty acids

4. VOCABULARY
• Polymer – large molecule made out of a
bunch of monomers connected together
–Ex. Protein, DNA, Starch

5. MACROMOLECULES
• 1. Carbohydrates
• Function: provides energy and helps
body maintain glucose levels.

6. MACROMOLECULES
• 1. Carbohydrates
• Monomer examples – glucose, fructose
• Polymer examples – Starch (found in
pasta and potatoes)

7. MACROMOLECULES
• 2. Proteins
• Function: makes up/repair cells and
organs, and are catalysts.
• Monomer – Amino Acids
• Polymer – Keratin (makes up hair and nails)

8. MACROMOLECULES
• 3. Lipids
• Function: store energy effiecently in bonds (fats)
• Monomer - Fatty acids
• Polymer - Phospholipids (cell membrane), Waxes

9. MACROMOLECULES
• 4. Nucleic Acids:
• Function: Stores hereditary information for
cell activities.
• Monomer – nucleotides
• Polymer - DNA and RNA