Chemistry of Life: Organic Molecules Biology 1 Mrs. Rakers Fall 2012

Proficiency Goals!! Explains the four organic molecules and the importance of how they impact living organisms, and give an example of each. Advanced Goals!! Determines which organic molecule would be most important given specific functions, and can predict what may happen to an organism that does not have access to those molecules.

1st Let’s discuss what makes a molecule….. Atoms- smallest unit of matter that cannot be broken down by any chemical means made up of protons, neutrons and electrons protons= positive charge neutrons= no charge electrons= negative charge opposites attract negative charges are attracted to positive charges atoms consist of mostly empty spaces

Neutrons (no charge) and protons (positive charge) are in the nucleus Electrons (negative charge) move around outside the nucleus in the electron cloud.

Two or more atoms of the same kind create an element Two or more elements combined make a compound. (molecule) Ex: Na+ and Cl- make NaCl (table salt) Na- Sodium and Cl- is Chloride

Organic Molecules (Carbon Compounds)- #1 Carbohydrates Carbohydrates- compounds of life made of C, H, and O (C-Carbon, H-Hydrogen, and O-Oxygen) Monosaccharides: single sugar (Ex. Glucose) Polysaccharides: many monosaccharides (Ex. Common table sugar is glucose and fructose) Importance of Carbohydrates to life Main(short-term) energy source of cells- glucose (C6H12O6) energy storage in plant cells- starch energy storage in animal cells- glycogen cell walls of plants- cellulose

Where do we find carbohydrates? Potatoes Breads Pastas Sugars Carbohydrates are the short-term energy supply for organisms.

Organic Molecules #2- Lipids Lipids- compounds of life made of lots of C & H (C- Carbon and H- Hydrogen) (fats, oils, waxes, steriods) Most lipids do not dissolve well in water (covalent bonds) Importance of lipids to life: long term energy storage provide structure of cell membranes chemical messengers: steroids like estrogen, testosterone, and cholesterol.  

Where do we find lipids? Butter Lard Grease Olive Oil Vegetable Oil Lipids are the long-term energy storage for organisms

Organic Molecules #3- Proteins Proteins- Compounds of life made of nitrogen, C, O and H (Carbon, Oxygen, and Hydrogen) Amino Acids: building blocks of proteins Importance of proteins to life: body structure: muscles, bone, collagen, cartilage, hair transport: hemoglobin- red chemical in blood to transport oxygen fight diseases: antibodies control and speed up chemical reactions: enzymes

Where do we find proteins? Meat, Chicken, Fish, Milk, Eggs, Beans, Nuts Again, proteins can provide structural support, they can be enzymes and speed up chemical reactions, they can be hemoglobin which carries oxygen in your body, and they can be antibodies and fight diseases.

Organic Molecules #4- Nucleic Acids Nucleotides- composed of a sugar, a base and a phosphate Importance of nucleic acids to life: store and move hereditary or genetic information within all cells DNA- two strands that spiral around each other stores hereditary information

RNA- one single strand makes proteins acts as an enzyme ATP- single nucleotide with two extra energy storing phosphate groups (stores energy temporarily)

Where do we find nucleic acids? Any whole cellular foods: Meat, veggies, fruit, whole grains, and eggs HOWEVER, organisms basically produce their own! Eating a lot of protein (which contains amino acids) are then going to be available for the production of nucleic acids.

Four Organic Molecules Practice Video