The Chemicals of Life Organic Chemistry

Organic? What does it mean when a food or another product is given the label ORGANIC?

Organic? Containing carbon compounds found in living organisms or produced by living things.

The Chemicals of Life There are 4 chemicals that are important for Life. They are: Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids (Fats) Nucleic Acids (DNA & RNA)

What is the purpose of carbohydrates within living things?

CARBOHYDRATES Purpose: plants produce carbos, to supply the basic food energy for all living things. Building Blocks: Monosaccharide or single sugars (ex. Glucose) Macromolecules: Polysaccharides Ex. starches, cellulose (fiber), glycogen.

What is the purpose proteins in living organisms?

PROTEINS Purpose: Structure of living things; growth, maintenance, & repair; & run chemical reactions of the organism. Building Blocks: Amino Acids; 20 different AA found in living things make the 10-50 thousand different proteins of living things. A protein is made of a chain of amino acids held together by peptide bonds. Macromolecules: Polypeptide enzymes & structural proteins

LIPIDS (FATS)? What is the function of fats within living things?

LIPIDS (FATS) Purpose: Energy storage; cell membranes; chemical reactions, insulation (ex. Hormones, pigments) Building Blocks: Fatty Acids & Glycerol Macromolecules: Fats, Waxes & Oils, Steroids & Cholesterol

NUCLEIC ACIDS Purpose: Carry the Hereditary materials of Life. Building Blocks: nucleotides Macromolecules: DNA & RNA