Biologically Important Macromolecules

Carbohydrates

• Types:

• Monosaccharides: monomer; CH2O;

• Function:

• Examples:

• Disaccharides:• Function:

• Produced via:

• Disaccharide examples:

• Polysaccharides

• Function:

• Examples:

Lipids

• Function:

•

• Liqid fat: oils

• Solid fat: animal fat

• Types: fats, steroids, waxes

Fats

steroids

Lab Activity: Reducing Sugars

• The early biochemists devised analytical methods for the detection and quantification of sugars. Some of these tests were based on the aldehyde or ketone groups in the sugar structures. Sometimes the test gave a color change as a metal ion was reduced to the metal itself or to an ion of lower oxidation state. In other words, the reagent oxidized the sugar while the sugar reduced the oxidation state of the ions.

• Sugars form rings that involve the aldehyde or ketone group. The ring forming and opening again is reversible unless it has become involved in another link. Rings that are locked have no aldehyde or ketone group to react (unless there are several rings, and one can open) and are non-reducing sugars. There is one glucose ring at the end of each chain in starch and cellulose, but its effect is too small to produce a positive test.

• R.S. activity…..page 45