Chemical Compounds and Living Things Biochemistry Chemical Compounds and Living Things

Elements of Life 96% of your body consist of the following elements: Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen 3% - P, S, Ca, K, Na, Mg, Fe, Cl 1%- trace elements

Organic vs. Inorganic Organic Inorganic Contains carbon Living or once lived Examples- wood, grass, humans, dinosaurs, diamonds, petroleum Inorganic Does not contain carbon Nonliving Examples- oxygen, metals, rocks, water

Polymerization Monomer- a monomer is the building block molecule of a polymer. It is one unit of a compound. For example- amino acids are the monomers for proteins, each train car are linked together to form a whole train

Polymer A large molecule made up of many identical monomers. Ex. The wall is a polymer made of many individual cinder blocks (monomers). Condensation reaction: joining monomers by releasing water. Hydrolysis: adding water to break a polymer down.

Macromolecules/ Compounds of Life Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic acids

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates- produce the bodies quick energy Monomer: Sugars (monosaccharides) Ex. Glucose, fructose Starches- long chain of simple sugars. Ex.-bread, rice, corn, pasta, cereal Cellulose- long, twisted chain of sugars. Not digestible by humans Chitin- long chain of twisted hard cellulose found in the exoskeleton of invertebrates

Lipids Function: Stored energy Monomer: 3 fatty acids attached to 1 glycerol chain Hydrophobic- don’t dissolve in water Examples: Lard, butter, veggie oil, hormones, steroids Saturated fat Usually solid at room temperature Most animal fats Unsaturated fat Usually liquid at room temperature Most plant fats

Proteins Made of amino acids Proteins have many functions in the body including: Support structures (cell membrane) Transport Substances (hemoglobin carries oxygen) Defense (antibodies) Speed Reactions (ENZYMES!) Muscles, Skin, and hair are proteins!

Nucleic Acids Store and transmit genetic information Monomers: Nucleotides Two types of Nucleic Acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) Controls cell activity Passed from generation to generation Found in the nucleus RNA (ribonucleic acid) Functions in actual synthesis of proteins Both will be discussed further in genetics unit