Macromolecules
UNIT 18.2
CHAPTER 7 SECTION 3
PG. 253-263
LARGE CARBON MOLECULES
Polymers – large, chainlike molecules built of
smaller units
Monomer – repeating subunit in a polymer
Polymers can also be called Macromolecules
Macromolecules are found in living things, make up many
of our daily use products
Five Types of Organic
Macromolecules: Polymers
and their Monomers
Polymer
Nucleic Acids
Monomer
Nucleotide
Carbohydrates
Monosaccharide
Proteins
Amino Acid
Lipids
Fatty Acid
Synthetic Polymers
Petroleum
“Natural” Macromolecule
Function
Nucleic Acid
Store and transfer
genetic information
(DNA and RNA)
Protein
Structural
Defensive
Catalytic (enzymes)
“Natural” Macromolecule
Function
Carbohydrate
Broken down to provide
quick energy for cells
Lipid
Store Energy (slow
release)
Make up cell membranes
Used to make hormones
Synthetic Polymers
Three Types
Elastomers
Very Elastic
Ex. Rubber
Fibers
No Elasticity
Ex. Nylon, polyester
Plastics
Properties between elastomers & fibers
Ex. PVC (polyvinyl chloride)
Synthetic Polymer Issues
Petroleum is a limited resource
Synthetic polymers have limited
recyclability
Eventually break down in to unusable waste