Chapter 5: Macromolocules

Hello again. Sorry this post has taken me so long to complete- this was kind of a big chapter to chew on and really absorb. Some of it was review, but since I haven't seen this stuff in about a year, it took a while to remember.

This chapter had four main components- Proteins, Carbohydrates, Nucleic Acids, and Lipids.

These four types of molecules basically make us who we are. Literally. So naturally, they're pretty important to understand.

I'm not going to go into a lot of depth, just mainly overview, but if you have a textbook with a chapter on these molecules- READ IT. Not only is it pretty fascinating to ponder how such simple building blocks in their multitude of variations combine to make us, but reading helps get the vocab down, and you can be sure that this vocab is going to resurface a LOT in AP bio. So, here we go...

First off, heres a few concept maps to warm up your brains. The one I came up with on my own fits my mind, but isn't exactly the clearest. And everyone is different. My suggestion is to take these as suggestions, and struggle with making your own. It's the process that really helps.

Proteins:

Carbs:

Lipids:

This is a PDF doc with  TONS of great info. It's got several concept map, lots of pictures, and some really simple explanations for the different types of lipids and their functions. Check it out...

http://www2.bakersfieldcollege.edu/deharvey/Powerpoints/Chem%2011%20Tmberlake%20Powerpoints/Chem%2011.Chapter%2015.12-10-11.dch.pdf


Nucleic Acids:

Another REALLY important concept introduced (or rather, reintroduced, because you should be familiar with it) was transcription (and translation). Basically, that's when DNA becomes mRNA, and then a ribosome transcribes it into a protein (usually an enzyme).

Here's an amazing video that explains these concepts with a visual animation:

The only other "Big" concept presented was the phospholipid bilayer. Here's a diagram to jog your memory...

Sort of a fuzzy picture. Sorry.

And that's all I've got for you. Next unit is cells (I'M SO EXCITED!). Stay tuned for a post on organelles.

And last but not least, a comic....

This one especially felt relevant... nucleic acids. :)