Lactase

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): amino acids

Function: Enzyme that speeds up the breakdown of lactose (the main sugar found in milk) into glucose and galactose

Hemoglobin

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): amino acids

Function: Found in blood cells of almost all vertebrate animals, it is used to carry oxygen for distribution to body’s cells

Antibody

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): amino acids

Function: Identify foreign objects (such as bacteria and viruses) and tag them for removal by the immune system

Actin

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): amino acids

Function: Involved in many cellular functions including movement, transport and division

Lactose

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): monosaccharides glucose and galactose

Function: Molecule in milk that makes it taste sweet. Provides short term energy for mammalian infants.

Starch

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

Function: Main energy storage molecule in plants

Glycogen

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

Function: Main energy storage molecule in animals

Chitin

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

Function: Polysaccharide used for structural purposes in the exoskeletons or shells of many invertebrate animals.

Cellulose

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): monosaccharide glucose

Function: Polysaccharide used for structural purposes in plants

Wax

• Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a long-chain alcohol and a fatty acid

Function: Waterproof covering found on leaves, feathers, and insect cuticles

Oils & Fats

• Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a glycerol and fatty acids

Function: Long term energy storage. Also play a vital role in maintaining healthy skin & hair, protecting body organs and maintaining body temperature

Phospholipids

• Polymer? Not a true polymer. Composed of a phosphate group and 2 fatty acids

Function: Major component in cell membranes that helps maintain internal environment that is different than the environment outside the cell.

DNA

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): 4 nucleotides (A, T, C, G)

Function: Carries genetic (hereditary) information for traits by providing code for protein synthesis

mRNA

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): 4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)

Function: Carries the code for a trait from the nucleus to the ribosomes (site of protein synthesis)

tRNA

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): 4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)

Function: Delivers amino acids to a ribosome during protein synthesis

rRNA

• Polymer? Yes

• Subunits (monomers): 4 nucleotides (A, C, G, U)

Function: Structural component of ribosomes. Helps formation of bonds during protein synthesis