#AP Biology: Macromolecules - Your Night-Before-the-Exam Guide 🚀

Hey there, future AP Bio superstar! Let's get you feeling confident and ready to ace this exam. We're diving into macromolecules, the building blocks of life, with a focus on what you really need to know. Let's make this review count!

#Macromolecules: The Foundation of Life

Macromolecules are large molecules made of smaller subunits. They're the core of life, so understanding them is crucial. Let's break them down:

• Key Concept: Structure determines function. A slight change in a macromolecule's structure can drastically alter its function. 💡

#Carbohydrates: Fueling Life

#What are Carbohydrates?

• Sugars and polymers of sugars. Usually end in '-ose'.
• Contain multiple hydroxyl (-OH) groups and a carbonyl (C=O) group.
• Aldose: Carbonyl group at the end (aldehyde).
• Ketose: Carbonyl group in the middle (ketone).

Image: Sucrose, a disaccharide, formed by two monosaccharides

#Monosaccharides

• Simple sugars with a formula that's a multiple of CH2O (1:2:1 ratio).
• Glucose (C6H12O6): The most common monosaccharide, crucial in glycolysis.
• Fructose: Another common example.

#Lipids: Energy Storage and More

#What are Lipids?

• The only class of macromolecules that DO NOT form polymers. 🤯
• Non-polar and hydrophobic (avoid water).
• Mostly hydrocarbons.
• Important for energy storage (9 calories per gram) and insulation.
• Fats (triglycerides/triacylglycerols): Glycerol + 3 fatty acids joined by ester bonds.

#Saturated vs. Unsaturated Fatty Acids

• Glycerol: 3-carbon alcohol with -OH on each carbon.
• Fatty Acids: Long chains of carbon with a carboxyl group (-COOH).
  • Saturated: No double bonds between carbons, max H atoms, solid at room temp (e.g., butter).
  • Unsaturated: On...