Molecules and Life SWBAT list the four categories of molecules that are essential to life; give an example of a carbohydrate; tell what structures make up proteins; name the two major types of nucleic acids; give two major uses of lipids; describe enzymes and discuss some of their functions

Smaller than a cell... What are the smallest structures in cells called? What are the smallest structures in cells called? Molecules Molecules What are molecules made up of? What are molecules made up of? Atoms Atoms

4 General Categories Carbohydrates Carbohydrates Proteins Proteins Nucleic acids Nucleic acids Lipids (fats) Lipids (fats) What are they used for? What are they used for? Building cells Building cells Storing energy Storing energy Regulating cell activity Regulating cell activity Storing genetic information Storing genetic information

Carbohydrates Furnish the body with its main source of energy glucose (blood sugar) Furnish the body with its main source of energy glucose (blood sugar) In our diets we get three types: Refined or processed sugars (sucrose) Examples: candy, soda, tastycakes Refined or processed sugars (sucrose) Examples: candy, soda, tastycakes Naturally occurring sugars Examples: fruits, veggies, milk products Naturally occurring sugars Examples: fruits, veggies, milk products Complex carbohydrates Example: Pasta, bread, cereal Complex carbohydrates Example: Pasta, bread, cereal

Proteins Proteins are the body’s building materials Proteins are the body’s building materials Our cells are primarily made of protein (skin, organs, hair, muscle, nails, etc.) Our cells are primarily made of protein (skin, organs, hair, muscle, nails, etc.) Essential for growth and repair Essential for growth and repair Found in: steak, chicken, fish, eggs, beans and tofu Found in: steak, chicken, fish, eggs, beans and tofu Building Blocks: amino acids Building Blocks: amino acids

Nucleic Acids Contain all the instructions that living cells need to make proteins and maintain live Contain all the instructions that living cells need to make proteins and maintain live Made up of nucleotides Made up of nucleotides Two major types Two major types DNA DNA RNA RNA

Lipids (fats) Found in fats, oils and waxes Found in fats, oils and waxes Needed for: Needed for: stored energy stored energy Protects organs Protects organs Stores some vitamins Stores some vitamins Building Blocks – Building Blocks – glycerol + 3 fatty acids glycerol + 3 fatty acids

Questions What atoms are carbohydrates primarily made up of? What atoms are carbohydrates primarily made up of? Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen Give an example of a carbohydrate. Give an example of a carbohydrate. Sugar or Glucose Sugar or Glucose What do proteins do in living cells? What do proteins do in living cells? Store food and contract for movement Store food and contract for movement What are the structures that make up a protein called? What are the structures that make up a protein called? Amino acids Amino acids What are the two major types of nucleic acids? What are the two major types of nucleic acids? DNA and RNA DNA and RNA What are the two major uses of lipids? What are the two major uses of lipids? Store energy and create boundaries Store energy and create boundaries

Cellulose Cellulose is made by plants Cellulose is made by plants Dietary fiber is mostly cellulose Dietary fiber is mostly cellulose Some animals (such as cows) have special structures or processes to digest cellulose Some animals (such as cows) have special structures or processes to digest cellulose Linen and cotton are made of cellulose Linen and cotton are made of cellulose Cellophane and many plastics are made of cellulose Cellophane and many plastics are made of cellulose

Enzymes Are proteins which act as a catalyst Are proteins which act as a catalyst Catalyst- start or speed up a chemical reaction Catalyst- start or speed up a chemical reaction 1. Enzymes are specific in their actions Example: saliva acts on starch Idea: cheeseburger-bun dissolves in mouth Idea: cheeseburger-bun dissolves in mouth 2. Enzymes are not used up in the reaction