Organic Compounds

What is an Element? An element is any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. The smallest unit of an element is an atom.

What is a Compound? A compound is any chemical that is made of two or more different elements.

What is an Inorganic Compound? NaCl Inorganic compounds do not contain carbon. Examples: Water, Salt, and acids like sulfuric acid H2O H2SO4

What is an Organic Compound? Organic Compounds contain carbon and hydrogen and are usually associated with living things.

What are the 6 elements most living things are made of? CHONPS: C H O N P S arbon ydrogen xygen itrogen hosphorus ulfur

Carbon Compounds Life as we know it is carbon based. Why? A carbon atom can form chemical bonds with other carbon atoms in long chains or rings. Carbon compounds in living things include: Carbohydrates Nucleic Acids Proteins Fats

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are energy-rich compounds made from the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. (CHO) Function: Cells use carbohydrates to get and store energy. Examples: Sugars and starches.

Proteins Proteins are large molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur. (CHONS) Proteins are made of smaller molecules called amino acids. Function: Build organelles, build body parts, helps with body defense. Examples: Hair, nails, enzymes.

Lipids Lipids are made by cells to store energy for long periods of time. They are composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. (CHO) Function: Store long term energy. Examples: Fats, oils, and waxes.

Nucleic Acids Nucleic Acids are compounds made of long, repeating chains called nucleotides. They are made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. (CHONP) Function: Used to store genetic information. Examples: DNA and RNA