Organic Molecules

Overview All organic molecules contain carbon atoms Carbon atoms can bind with up to 4 other atoms including other carbon atoms Carbon-carbon bonds can lead to long chains Carbon can form single, double, or triple covalent bonds with other atoms

Overview Macromolecules are very large molecules Consist of smaller molecules called monomers Monomers are joined together to form polymers by process called polymerization

Overview Energy is stored in organic molecules’ bonds Amount of energy depends on the type of organic molecule, the more bonds the more energy the molecule supplies Amount of energy stored in organic molecules determines its caloric value

Carbohydrates Starches and sugars, plants are an excellent source of carbs Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in the form of a ring structure Monomer unit is a monosaccharide or simple sugar with the chemical formula of C6H12O6 Monosaccharides bind together to form polysaccharides or complex carbohydrates

Carbohydrates Carbs are named by the number of monomers they contain Monosaccharide – 1 monomer Disaccharide – 2 monomers Polysaccharide – 3 or more monomers

Carbohydrates Primary source of fuel in cellular respiration to make ATP Used to store energy for short periods of time C, H, O in carbs are used as raw materials for other small organic molecules Some are used for structural support in plants (cellulose) and the exoskeletons of crustaceans and insects (chitin)

Carbohydrates During photosynthesis carbs are formed and then broken down by the plant to use the energy stored in the bonds for the plant’s cellular functions

Carbohydrates When ingested by animals, bonds between monomers are broken to allow simple sugars to be absorbed Simple sugars are then broken down in cells to produce ATP in a process called cellular respiration They are converted into fats if not immediately needed, some can be stored as glycogen in muscles

Carbohydrates