Organic Molecules

Overview of Vocabulary Organic molecules = made of carbon. Organic molecules are called polymers because they are made of many monomers put together. Monomers are single units that, when repeated, make up a polymer. Mono = one ( Mono gamy) Poly = many ( Poly gamy)

In other words…

Types of Organic Molecules 1. Lipids 2. Carbohydrates 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids

Lipids Have 3 main functions 1. Long-term energy storage 2. Repel water (because they are non-polar) 3. Main component of the cell membrane

Lipids No monomer Lipids are composed of two parts Fatty acid tails Gycerol

Lipids Types and Functions Fat – used for long-term energy storage Wax – used to repel water Phosopholipids – Used in the cell membrane

Carbohydrates Types and functions Sugar – used for quick energy Starch – used for long-term energy storage. Cellulose – used for structural support in cell walls of plants Fiber – used to help diet

Carbohydrates Monomer – Monosaccharide Monosaccharide – one sugar. Glucose is an example Since these are simple they are broken down easily and used for quick energy.

Carbohydrates Polymer – Polysaccharide Polysaccharide – many sugars. Cellulose is an example These are long and complicated so they are used for long-term energy storage or support.

Carbohydrates Have four main uses 1. Quick energy 2. Structural support 3. Long-term energy storage 4. Dietary support

Proteins Main Functions Control Chemical Reactions Makes up structural material in the body Hormones Transport and storage molecules Antibodies

Proteins Monomer = Amino Acids 20 different amino acids

Proteins Polymer = Proteins These are large complicated structures made of hundreds of amino acids and have four different levels of structure.

Enzymes Type of protein Used to speed up chemical reactions

How Enzymes Work Normally two chemicals will bind together, but it takes energy to bond them to each other. Enzymes attach to both chemicals and help them bond, which lowers the energy needed for them to bond. This makes the chemical reaction occur much faster.

How Enzymes Work

Two things that will affect how quickly enzymes work pH Temperature If the pH or temperature is too high or too low the enzyme will work slower

Nucleic Acids Have 2 main functions 1. Store genetic material 2. Make proteins

Nucleic Acids Monomer = Nucleotides Many nucleotides make up nucleic acids Nucleotides are made of three things 1. Sugar 2. Phosphate 3. Base

Nucleic Acids Polymers = DNA or RNA (Nucleic Acids)

Nucleic Acids Types and Functions DNA – Used for the storage of genetic information RNA – Used in protein synthesis

Vitamins Organic molecule that aids in bodily functions Vitamin A: Helps with vision, hair, skin, nails Vitamin C: Helps in healing the body (cuts, sores, disease Vitamin D: Helps the body with bone growth Vitamin K: Helps the blood clot

Minerals Inorganic compounds that help with bodily functions Help to control nerves and muscles by sending “impulses” or signals from one cell to another Potassium – fish, yogurt, dark leafy greens Magnesium – legumes, green vegetables Calcium – milk, cheese, almonds Sodium – table salt, sauces, soups, dressings