Catabolic reactions involve the breakdown of molecules into smaller components, whereas anabolic reactions build larger molecules from smaller molecules. Catabolic reactions usually release energy whereas anabolic processes usually require energy.

Polymers are broken down into monomers in a process known as hydrolysis, which means “to split water,” a reaction in which a water molecule is used during the breakdown. If the components are un-ionized, one part gains a hydrogen atom (H-) and the other gains a hydroxyl group (OH–) from a split water molecule.

Dehydration synthesis reactions build molecules up and generally require energy, while hydrolysis reactions break molecules down and generally release energy. Carbohydrates, proteins, and nucleic acids are built up and broken down via these types of reactions, although the monomers involved are different in each case.

The chemical reaction that splits larger molecules to monomers is called a hydrolysis reaction. Hydrolysis is the reverse of condensation. In all hydrolysis reactions: a water molecule is used, a covalent bond is broken, smaller molecules are formed by the splitting of a large molecule.

For example, macromolecules provide structural support, a source of stored fuel, the ability to store and retrieve genetic information, and the ability to speed biochemical reactions. Four major types of macromolecules—proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids—play these important roles in the life of a cell.

Polysaccharides, proteins, and nucleic acids are common examples of macromolecules.

• Nucleic acids: Stores and transfers info.
• Carbohydrates; Store energy, provide fuel, and build structure in body, main source of energy, structure of plant cell wall.
• Lipid: Insulator and stores fat and energy.
• Protein: Provide structural support,transport, enzymes, movement, defense.

Types of Biological Macromolecules. Biological macromolecules, the large molecules necessary for life, include carbohydrates, lipids, nucleic acids, and proteins.

There are three major types of biological macromolecules in mammalian systems.

• Carbohydrates.
• Nucleic acids.
• Proteins.

There are 4 major biological macromolecules: proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids.

Ten of these amino acids are called essential amino acids because they cannot be manufactured by our body and must be obtained from our food. The final type of macromolecule that we ingest into our bodies are lipids, also known as fats.

There are seven types of proteins: antibodies, contractile proteins, enzymes, hormonal proteins, structural proteins, storage proteins, and transport proteins.

Protein classification based on shape. On the basis of their shape, proteins may be divided into two classes: fibrous and globular.

What are the 8 types of protein?

• 1) Hormonal Protein. Hormones are protein-based chemicals secreted by the cells of the endocrine glands.
• 2) Enzymatic Protein.
• 3) Structural Protein.
• 4) Defensive Protein.
• 5) Storage Protein.
• 6) Transport Protein.
• 7) Receptor Protein.
• 8) Contractile Protein.