Macromolecules

#review

Definition

• Organic molecules that contain at the very least carbon, hydrogen and oxygen
• Essential for life
  • Why do macromolecules matter so much for life? Connect polarity

Metabolism

• Life sustaining chemical reactions occurring in living organisms

Anabolism

• Synthesis of molecules

Condensation/Dehydration Synthesis

• Anabolic reaction forming $H_{2}O$

Catabolism

• Dissolution of molecules

Hydrolysis

• Catabolism reaction: $H_{2}O$ separates components in a molecule
  • Think: - Why is $H_{2}O$ an effective solvent?

Dissolving Molecules

• Determined by polarity or ionization; polar molecules dissolve in water, since polar molecules dissolve in polar water, or if the molecule is ionized it generally dissolves

Common Themes in Anabolism and Catabolism

• ie. Glucose + Fructose $\to H_{2}O$ + Sucrose (Anabolic)
  • Determined by enzymes and polarity
• Enzymes catalyze the reactions, polarity contributes as water is a excellent solvent, enabling molecules to dissolve into it, or separate an existing molecule.

Monomers and Polymers

• Think: - Why is it important to have monomers that then make polymers?

Monomers

• Small basic units that join together to form larger structures

Polymers

• Larger molecules made of repeating monomer subunits linked together