The Building Blocks of Life
Organic MoleculesChapter 6
Organic Molecules• All organisms are composed of
organic molecules which contain carbon.
• Organic molecules are made of smaller units that bond to form larger molecules.
• These bonds result in a variety of important organic compounds that can be in the shape of straight chains, branched chains, and rings.
Organic Molecules
• Monomers: small molecule that can bond or chemically combine with other monomers
• Polymers: molecules made from repeating units of monomers
Organic Molecules• Energy is stored in the bonds of
organic molecules.
• The amount of energy will vary from molecule to molecule, therefore not all organic molecules have the same amount of energy available for use.
• The energy stored in organic molecules determines its caloric value.
• Proteins
• Carbohydrates
• Fats and Lipids
• Nucleic Acids
Organic Molecules
Proteins• Made of small chains of amino acids.
• Amino acids are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.
• There are 20 different amino acids.
• Proteins are made of different combinations of all 20 different amino acids.
• A protein’s primary structure is determined by the number and order of amino acids in a chain.
Proteins
http://www.gbiosciences.com/EducationalProducts/Protein-Structure-Analysis.aspx
Proteins• Make up about 15% of total body
mass
• Involved in nearly every function of your body.
• Cells contain proteins that provide structural support, transport substances, communicate signals, speed up chemical reactions, and control cell growth.
Proteins
• As a source of energy, proteins have the same caloric value per gram as carbohydrates.
• Proteins can function as a source of energy only if there is a shortage of carbohydrates or lipids.
Proteins
• Protein structure is related to its function.
• Structural Proteins: support
• Transport Proteins: transport substances
• Hormone Proteins: coordinate body activities
• Contractile Proteins: help control movement
• Enzymes: speed up chemical reactions
Carbohydrates• Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and
oxygen.
• Sugars and starches.
• Basic carbohydrates are monosaccharides (simple sugars).
• Monosaccharides can be linked to form disaccharides which can then be linked to form polysaccharides.
• Ex) Glucose, Sucrose, Glycogen
Carbohydrates
Glucose
SucroseGlycogen
Carbohydrates
• Main energy source for the cell.
• The caloric value of carbohydrates is dependent on the number of carbon-hydrogen bonds.
• Cellulose in plants is used as a structural material.
Lipids• Made mostly of carbon and hydrogen.
• Fats, oils, and waxes.
• Composed of fatty acids, glycerol, and other components.
• Saturated: fatty acid tails contain single bonds between carbon atoms
• Unsaturated: fatty acid tails have at least one double bond between carbon atoms
Lipids
http://www.chemistrypictures.org/v/lipids/1Lipids.jpg.html
Lipids
• Triglycerides: fat if solid at room temperature and oil is liquid at room temperature
• Phospholipids: structure and function of cell membrane
• Steroids: cholesterol and hormones
Lipids• Primary function is to store energy.
• Important when carbohydrates are scarce.
• Fats contain more energy per gram than carbohydrates and proteins therefore they have a greater caloric value.
• Provide long-term energy storage, cushion vital organs, and insulation for the body.
• Major component of cell membranes.
Nucleic Acids
• Complex macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information.
• Made of smaller repeating subunits called nucleotides.
• Composed of carbon, oxygen, phosphorus, and hydrogen.
Nucleic Acids
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