Organic Molecules Carbon = building block of life Carbon – 4 outer electrons (8 needed) – Up to 4 bonds with other atoms Monomer: Small carbon molecules – Ex: Amino acid Polymer: chain of linked monomers – Ex: Protein
Carbohydrates C: H: O = 1: 2: 1 Readily available food source Monomer: Monosaccharides – Simple sugars – Bond to form larger molecules Polymer: Di or polysaccharide – Complex sugar
Polymer: Polysaccharide Long chain of monosaccharides (no fixed length) Starch (pictured) : excess plant sugar converted & stored Glycogen: animal starch stored in liver & muscles Cellulose: used in plants to make cell walls
Lipid Structure Fats, Oils, Waxes Energy for cells, cell structure, insulation – Cholesterol: gives cell membrane flexibility Stucture (2 parts): – “Head” of glycerol – “Tail” of fatty acids molecules Monomer: Fatty Acid Polymer: Lipid
Saturated Fats Long chain of C-C bonds (all single bonds) Each C is “saturated” with H atoms Solid at room temps Very common in animal fats
Unsaturated Fats Long chain of C-C bonds (some double bonds) Unsaturated: Less space for H atoms Liquid at room temps Plants fats
Which has more H?