The BIG Four Organic Compounds

The BIG Four Lipids (or fats) Carbohydrates Proteins And Nucleic Acids There are four organic compounds that are essential to our cells for life. Macromolecules are large molecules (polymers) that are found in living cells. They are built by linking smaller molecules called monomers. Lipids (or fats) Carbohydrates Proteins And Nucleic Acids

LIPIDS: Monomer Monomer is TRIGLYCERIDES Composed of Glycerol & 3 fatty acid chains. Lipids are shaped like the letter “E”.

LIPIDS: Elements Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen

LIPIDS: Function Fats STORE energy; LONG TERM INSULATE the body to maintain normal body temperature CUSHION the internal organs for protection. Produce hormones for the body called STERIODS Waterproof surfaces on animals, plants, and fruits- these are waxes!

LIPIDS Include: Oils, Fats, Waxes, Steroids Found in butter, vegetable oil margarine Hydrophobic

CARBOHYDRATES: Monomer Monosaccharides (single sugar) – glucose, galactose, fructose, etc. Polysaccharides (more than one sugar) – glycogen, starch, cellulose, etc.

CARBOHYDRATES: Elements Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen

CARBOHYDRATES: Function Supply SHORT term energy to cells Storage In humans, extra sugar is stored as glycogen (a long chain of glucose molecules) in the muscles and liver. In plants, extra sugar is often stored as starch. Structural molecules In plants, a carbohydrate called cellulose, actually makes up the plant’s cell wall.

CARBOHYDRATES Includes glucose (sugar), starches, cellulose & glycogen Found in cookies, candy, fruits, sugar, breads, potatoes, vegetables

PROTEINS: Monomer All proteins are made of the monomer… AMINO ACID All proteins are made of 20 different amino acids linked in different orders. Peptide bonds form to hold the amino acids together.

PROTEINS: Elements Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen

PROTEIN: Function Present in all cell membranes Make antibodies in the immune system Make enzymes (-ase) for helping chemical reactions Make non-steroid hormones (ex: insulin that breaks down sugar in your bloodstream) Make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood Major structural molecules in living things for growth and repair: muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, hair, skin, nails

PROTEINS Includes insulin, enzymes, hemoglobin Found in eggs, fish, chicken, meats, milk, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains

Nucleic Acids: Monomer Nucleic acids are made up of Nucleotides Nucleotides have three parts: 5 carbon sugar Phosphate Nitrogenous base

NUCLEIC ACIDS: Elements Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Phosphorus

Nucleic Acids: Function Store and transmit hereditary or genetic information. Instructions for our body’s cells.

Nucleic Acids Include: DNA and RNA Found in cells

In Summary, the BIG four organic compounds are: Lipids Carbohydrates Proteins Nucleic Acids

Food Tests Sugars-Benedict’s Solution-Red Starch-Iodine-Blue and Black Protein-Biuret’s Solution-Pinkish Purple Lipids-Clear spot spreads outwards on paper