Molecules for Life Unit 2 – Lesson 4 Molecules are the building blocks of LIFE!

Combinations of Atoms Carbon Oxygen Hydrogen When atoms of more than one element combine, they form a compound. Carbon Oxygen Hydrogen

Compounds Think of two elements that LOVE eachother… H2 O

Types of Molecules Molecules are elements that are bonded together. There are two types of molecules. Organic Molecules – living or once living Inorganic Molecules – nonliving

Types of Molecules Remember the elements carbon and hydrogen? Well, when these elements are found together, they make an ORGANIC molecule. Organic = C + H together Inorganic = no C + H together SO, everything that is LIVING (like this baby) is ORGANIC, it contains C and H.

Organic or Inorganic? HCl H2O C6H12O6 CO2 C3H7NO3

Inorganic Molecules There are millions of inorganic molecules, but there are only a few you MUST know H2O = • CO2 = O2 = • NH3 = water carbon dioxide oxygen ammonia

Protein, Carbs, and Fats are our nutrition! Organic Molecules There are 4 types of organic molecules. Meaning, EVERYTHING that is living is made up of a mixture of these 4 substances. Proteins Carbohydrates (Sugars) Lipids (Fats) Nucleic Acids (DNA) You are what you eat! Protein, Carbs, and Fats are our nutrition!

Organic Molecules Organisms either consume or produce their nutrition. The organic molecules need to be broken down so they can be used for various needs. Complex Molecules: Proteins Carbs Lipids Simple Units: Amino Acids Simple Sugars Fatty Acids

What kinds of protein do we eat? Proteins The building blocks of proteins are amino acids. Proteins are important for many reasons. Enzymes – chemical reactions Body growth and repair What kinds of protein do we eat?

What kinds of carbs do we eat? Carbohydrates The building blocks of carbohydrates are simple sugars. C6H12O6 is sugar. Because of sugars structure, it is represented as in science. Carbohydrates provide: Energy What kinds of carbs do we eat?

What kinds of fat do we eat? Lipids The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids. Lipids are important because they: Provide stored energy Make up the cell membrane What kinds of fat do we eat?

Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids make up the organisms heredity. It is the DNA, or the genetic code for all living things. Yes, every living organism from a bacterium to a whale has DNA.