The Building Blocks of Life 6.4
Organic Chemistry Carbon is in almost all biological molecules. Therefore, life on Earth is considered Carbon based. The other most abundant and important elements to humans are Nitrogen, Oxygen, Hydrogen, and Phosphorous.
Macromolecules and Polymers Macromolecule- large molecule that Is formed by joining smaller organic molecules together. Macromolecules include: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Polymer- molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds called monomers.
Macromolecules and Polymers
Carbohydrates Carbohydrate- compound composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a ratio of one oxygen and two hydrogen atoms for each carbon atom. (1c: 2H: 1O) Sugars are carbohydrates, or carbs. Things with sugar in them include candy, bread, pasta, sodas
Carbohydrates The monomer of carbohydrates are called monosaccharides. The polymer of a carbohydrate is called a polysaccharide.
Lipids Lipid- molecules made of mostly carbon and hydrogen atoms that make up fats, oils, and waxes. Lipids are composed of fatty acids, glycerol, and other components. Things with lipids in them include the cell membrane, any type of oil, candles, etc.
Lipids Saturated fats don’t have any double bonds in their compounds, unsaturated fats do.
Lipids Phospholipids- Responsible for the structure and function of the cell membrane.
Proteins Protein- a compound made of small carbon compounds called amino acids. Amino acids- small compounds that are made of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen atoms. Proteins make up 15% of human body mass and are involved in nearly every function of the human body. Ex. Skin, hair, nails, signaling throughout the body.
Proteins The monomer of proteins are amino acid. The polymer of a protein is a protein or a peptide. Proteins are held together by special bonds called peptide bonds.
Nucleic acids Nucleic acid- complex macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information. Made of smaller repeating subunits composed of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and phosphorous.
Nucleic acids The monomer unit of nucleic acids are called nucleotides. The polymer unit is called a nucleic acid. There are two different types of nucleic acids, DNA and RNA.
Nucleic acids RNA- Ribonucleic acid. In RNA, the sugar molecule is a ribose DNA- Deoxyribonucleic acid. In DNA, the sugar molecule is a deoxyribose.
Key points for 6.4 Carbon is in everything that is important to humans Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic acids are macromolecules that are imperative to sustaining life for humans.