Chemistry of Life 2.3 Macromolecules

Organic vs. Inorganic Compounds Organic Compound- an organic compound is a compound that contains carbon. Organic compounds are usually associated with living things. However, there are some non-living things that contain carbon. But these organics are usually products of living things or things that were once living. Ex: Coal- coal is an organic compound that is not living but it is produced by decaying plant material.

Four Major Organic Compounds All four of these major organic molecules are considered to be macromolecules, or large molecules and are present in all living things. They are: Carbohydrates- or sugar Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids

Four Major Organic Compounds 1) Carbohydrates- These are organic macromolecules that are used to supply energy and could also aid in cell structure. Carbohydrates store a lot of chemical energy, and are used first by our bodies when energy is needed. Plant cell walls contain a chemical called cellulose which is a carbohydrate that is used to give a plant cell its sturdy structure. Ex: Sugars and Starches are carbohydrates Some others are: - Glucose (in our blood) Maltose (milk sugar) OSE at the end of a scientific word usually means it’s a carbohydrate.

Four Major Organic Compounds 2) Proteins- macromolecules that have many different functions, like structure & enzyme action. Proteins are largely found in our muscles and our DNA codes for proteins. A sub group of proteins called enzymes are very important. An enzyme- regulates all chemical reactions in a cell. Enzymes usually end in ASE, like Kinase.

Four Major Organic Compounds 3) Lipids- These macromolecules are fats. Fats do not dissolve in water or it is not soluble in water. Out of all of the major organic compounds, fats store the most energy. Our bodies do not use fats as a primary source for energy because it is easier to break a carbohydrate to release energy than it is a lipid. Ex: Wax, Soap, Oils Phospholipid- is a lipid with a phosphate molecule attached to it. These are very important when discussing transport because they are found in cell membranes.

Four Major Organic Compounds 4) Nucleic Acids- These are the largest of the major organic molecules, and they store coded information in cells in the form of DNA and RNA. DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid- found in all cells, makes up our genetic material and controls all cell activity. RNA- Ribonucleic acid- is used to make enzymes and other important protiens.

Inorganic Compounds Inorganic compounds are compounds that do not contain carbon. -Inorganic compounds contain elements that living things need. Ex: Plants take up inorganic compounds from the soil like Sulfur and Phosphorus which we need in our diet. So when we eat the plants we in turn eat the inorganics. -Is water inorganic? Yes, water is the most important inorganic substance on Earth