Nucleotides-complex of 5c sugar, phosphate group, N-base

Functions: some act as indiv molecules

Ex. ATP- the cell’s energy currency

Intro to Nucleic Acids

Molecular Structure of a DNA Nucleotide

Other nucleotides serve as monomers of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA)

DNA nitrogenous bases

RNA nitrogenous bases

Purines (2 rings)• Adenine• GuaninePyrimidines (1 ring)• Cytosine• Thymine

Purines (2 rings)• Adenine• GuaninePyrimidines (1 ring)• Cytosine• Uracil

_____ are polymers of nucleotides that transmit or store the hereditary

information of the cell.

Base Pair Rules

What holds the strands together?

There are two nucleic acids:

DNA or Deoxyribonucleic Acid

RNA or Ribonucleic Acid

• Chromosomes in the nucleus of the cell• Double stranded molecule• Shaped like a spiral staircase, Double Helix• Dictates the primary structure of proteins

• Replicated from DNA• Single stranded molecule• Involved in protein synthesis in our cells• May be found in nucleus or cytoplasm

Which group of large, hydrophobic biological molecules are not

macromolecules?

Functions: energy-storage, waterproofing, make up the bulk of cell membranes, and hormones

Categories of Lipids

- Fats (and Oils)

Fats are composed of 2 things:

1. Fatty acids- long chains of H and C with a COOH group

2. Glycerol backbone- 3C alcohol

Saturated and Unsaturated Fatty Acids

*The types of fatty acids a fat contains will dictate its characteristics.

Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fatty acids

Saturated fatty acids:the hydrocarbon “tail” holds as many H atoms as possible, it consists of all single bonds.Ex. bacon grease and butterUnsaturated fatty acids:the hydrocarbon “tail” does not hold as many H atoms as possible, it contains at least 1 double bond.

Ex. Olive oil and canola oil

2. Glycerol backbone- 3C alcohol

-3 fatty acids attach to it to form a fat

Triglyceride

Fat Free?????

Olestra is described as a huge lipid with 5 fatty acid tails.

Phospholipids

-Glycerol backbone, 2 tails, and PO4 head

-Head, hydrophilic and Tails, hydrophobic-Therefore they are Amphipathic

Phospholipids make up Cell Membranes

Waxes- long fatty acid chains linked to alcohol chains or C rings.

-Function: protection and prevents water loss

Steroids are lipids with 4 carbon rings

Fat Soluble Vitamins

Vitamin A Light reception, Epithelial maintenance

Vitamin D Increases Ca absorption, Promotes bone growth

Vitamin E Prevents cellular damage, Antioxidant

Vitamin K Important in blood clotting