Macromolecules

1. Macromolecules Protein

2. Proteins • Probably the most diverse group of macromolecules is the proteins.

3. Proteins • Proteins are complex polymers composed of C, H, O and N. • Polymer : large molecule formed when many smaller molecules bond together

4. Proteins • The building blocks of proteins are smaller molecules called amino acids held together by peptide bonds • Most end in “-ine” • Despite the wide variety of life on Earth, all living organisms use only 20 different amino acids to produce the proteins they require

5. Proteins • Green plants can make all 20 essential amino acids on their own; animals cannot. Thus, animals, including humans, must get some of these essential amino acids from the foods they eat.

6. Proteins • Enzymes are important proteins found in living things. • An enzyme changes the rate of a chemical reaction. • Enzymes are involved in nearly all metabolic reactions • Usually end in “-ase”

7. Proteins • Substrate- Component in an enzyme reaction • Enzyme reactions take place in the active site • Substrate + Enzyme Product + Enzyme • The enzyme is unchanged in the reaction.

8. Proteins • Each enzyme is specific to only one reaction. • This reaction is often compared to a lock and key.