Carbon-Based Molecules Section 2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules

Carbon atoms have unique bonding properties Carbon  an element that makes up the structure of living things and carries out most of the processes that keep organisms alive It is often called the “Building Block of Life” Carbon can bind to other carbons Monomer  a small subunit (or link) in a larger chain of carbon-based molecules

Polymer  a large molecule or macromolecule that is made of many monomers bonded together

Carbon forms chains and rings when bonded together:

Carbon loves to bond to other atoms Why??

Four main types of carbon-based molecules are found in living things Carbohydrate  molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Examples: sugars, starches, fruit, bread, pasta Building Block: monosaccharides

Function: source of quick energy when broken down and a major part of plant cell structure Picture:

Lipid  nonpolar molecules that contain chains of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen and oxygen atoms Examples: fats, oils, cholesterol, lard, grease Building Block: glycerol and fatty acids

Function: can be broken down as a source of long-term energy and can also be part of a cell’s structure Picture:

Protein  a polymer made of monomers called amino acids Protein  a polymer made of monomers called amino acids. They contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur Examples: red meat, muscle, hair, beans, nuts Building Block: Amino acids

Function: involved in virtually all cell functions Function: involved in virtually all cell functions. Each protein has a specific function, which may include structural support, bodily movement, and defense against germs Picture:

Nucleic Acids  polymers that are made up of monomers called nucleotides Examples: DNA and RNA Building Block: nucleotides (phosphate group, sugar, nitrogen base)

Function: work together to make proteins Function: work together to make proteins. DNA stores the information for putting amino acids together to make proteins. DNA also stores genetic information Picture: