Molecules of Life

Carbohydrates -Organic compounds -Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen -Three types: monosaccharide, disaccharide, and polysaccharide

1. Monosaccharides: simple sugars. Examples: glucose, fructose, and galactose. C 6 H 12 O 6 C 6 H 12 O 6 Their differing structures give them different properties. -Isomers. (Same formula, different form.)

2. Disaccharides: two monosaccharides can combined in a condensation reaction. Exp. fructose and glucose forms sucrose, common table sugar.)

3. Polysaccharides: three or more monosaccharides. Exp. Glycogen in animals, starch and cellulose in plants. Starch:

Proteins Organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Amino Acids: building blocks of protein. -20 different types. -dipeptide (2 a.a.’s) -polypeptide (3 or more a.a.’s)

KEYPOINTS: -Chain of amino acids = polypeptide (protein) -peptide bonds between amino acids; water is ‘kicked’ off -What do all the amino acids have in common?

Lipids Large, non-polar organic molecules that do not dissolve in water. Contain: carbon, hydrogen, oxygen. -Store energy, insulate, protection, hormones. Major types: fatty acids, triglycerides, phospholipids, waxes, steroids.

Fatty Acids: unbranched carbon chains that make up most lipids. -hydrophilic end: water loving (carboxyl end) -hydrophobic end: water fearing

The diagram below is a saturated fatty acid.

The diagram below shows the difference between saturated and unsaturated fats. Which type of fat is better for you? Saturated triglycerides: animal fats. Unsaturated triglycerides: plant seeds and fruits.

Triglyceride: 3 fatty acids + glycerol Phospholipids: cell membranes Waxes: protective layers in organisms Steroids: hormones, cholesterol

Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids: large, complex organic molecules that store information in the cell. Example: DNA, RNA -made up of nucleotides.