C HEMICALS OF L IFE p

E LEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS Elements Any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances Examples? Compounds Two or more elements chemically combine Examples?

W ATER !!! Two hydrogen and one oxygen atom H 2 O Water makes up 2/3 of your body Dissolves chemicals that cells need Most chemical reactions could not take place without water Helps cells keep their shape and size Helps regulate cell temperature

O RGANIC VS. INORGANIC Carbon is the key. When a compound contains CARBON, it is ORGANIC. If a compound does not contain CARBON, it is INORGANIC

C ARBOHYDRATES Energy rich compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Ex. Sugars and starches are carbohydrates Pasta, rice, bread, fruit Uses: Cellulose is found in cell walls of plants Cell membranes Organic or Inorganic?

L IPIDS Energy rich compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Have more energy than carbohydrates Cells store energy for use later Ex. Hibernating bear Examples: Fats, oils, waxes Organic or Inorganic?

PROTEINS Large molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen Foods that are high in protein: Meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and beans Structure: Amino acids! 20 common amino acids can combine/link together to make thousands of different proteins Letters of the alphabet Function: Proteins form parts of cell membranes and many organelles inside Enzymes: help to speed up chemical reactions Without enzymes many chemical reactions would take too long Organic or Inorganic?

N UCLEIC ACIDS Made of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus Two types: DNA: deoxyribonucleic acids Carries the genetic information that is passed from parent to offspring Found only in the nucleus RNA: ribonucleic acids Plays an important role in production of proteins Found in the cytoplasm and the nucleus Organic or Inorganic?