Kershner-Macromolecules

PROTEINS

Amino Acids

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen

Functions: Hormones, movement, immune system, enzymes, transportation

Examples: Muscle,
fingernails, claws,
skin,
hair

Unique Characteristics: 20 different amino acids, folds and twists into 3D shapes.

CARBOHYDRATES

Monosaccharides

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Functions: Quick energy, energy storage, and structure

Examples: Sugars, starches, cellulose, glycogen

Unique Characteristics: Creates structure in plants, energy storage in plants and animals, structure in arthropods and fungi.

LIPIDS

Triglycerides

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen

Functions: Energy storage, cushions organs, insulates body

Examples: Fats,
oils.
steroids.
waxes

Unique Characteristics: Non-polar, hydrophobic

NUCLEIC ACIDS

Nucleotides

Carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus

Function: Store & transmit hereditary information

Examples: RNA (ribonucleic acid)
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

Unique Characteristics: Base, pentose sugar, phosphate group