Chemical Compounds in Living Things

Elements An element is any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. The smallest unit of an element is an atom. What are some examples of elements?

Compounds A compound is two or more elements that are chemically combined. Smallest unit = molecule. What are some examples of compounds?

Water Water makes up about 2/3 of your body Water plays an important part in cells Allow chemical reactions to happen Helps keep size & shape in cells Helps keep temperature constant

Organic and Inorganic Compounds Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon. Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen and usually are associated with living things.

Four groups of Organic Compounds Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates Made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Supply energy for cell processes; our body uses them as short-term energy storage Foods such as fruits, vegetables, and grains are examples.

Lipids Made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Store large amounts of energy long term; form boundaries around cells Fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and cholesterol

Proteins Made of the elements Carbon, Oxygen, Hydrogen, Nitrogen, and sometimes Sulfur Made up of amino acids 20 different ones making thousands of different proteins Regulate cell processes and build cell structures Examples are meat, dairy, nuts Enzymes Enzyme- speeds up chemical reactions

Nucleic Acids Made of the elements carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus Carry hereditary information; used to make proteins DNA and RNA