Chapter 3 - Macromolecules and the origin of life. In this chapter, students will be able to understand: What kinds of molecules characterize living things? What are the chemical structures and functions of proteins? What are the chemical structures and functions of carbohydrates? What are the chemical structures and functions of lipids? What are the chemical structures and functions of nucleic acids? How did life on earth begin? | Macromolecules and the Origin of Life 3 Macromolecules and the Origin of Life What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Proteins? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Carbohydrates? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Lipids? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Nucleic Acids? How Did Life on Earth Begin? What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Molecules in living organisms: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids Most are polymers of smaller molecules called monomers. Macromolecules: polymers with molecular weights >1000 Table What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Functional groups: groups of atoms with specific chemical properties and consistent behavior; it confers those properties when attached to large molecules Figure Some Functional Groups Important to Living Systems (Part 1) Figure Some Functional Groups Important to Living Systems (Part 2) What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Isomers: molecules with the same chemical formula, but atoms are arranged differently Structural isomers: differ in how their atoms are joined together Figure Optical Isomers Optical isomers result from asymmetrical carbons. What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Biochemical unity—organisms can obtain required macromolecules by eating other organisms. One macromolecule can contain many different functional groups—determines shape and function. Figure Substances Found in Living Tissues What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Polymers are formed in condensation reactions. Monomers are joined by covalent bonds. A water is removed—also called dehydration reaction. Figure Condensation and Hydrolysis of Polymers (A) What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Polymers are broken down into monomers in hydrolysis reactions. (hydro, “water”; . | Macromolecules and the Origin of Life 3 Macromolecules and the Origin of Life What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Proteins? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Carbohydrates? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Lipids? What Are the Chemical Structures and Functions of Nucleic Acids? How Did Life on Earth Begin? What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Molecules in living organisms: proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids Most are polymers of smaller molecules called monomers. Macromolecules: polymers with molecular weights >1000 Table What Kinds of Molecules Characterize Living Things? Functional groups: groups of atoms with specific chemical properties and consistent behavior; it confers those properties when attached to large molecules Figure Some Functional Groups Important to Living Systems (Part 1) Figure Some Functional .
