Molecules of Life

Carbon Compounds

The Versatile Carbon Atom Carbon has 4 electrons in outer shell Can form a bond with four other molecules

Molecular Structure What is a polymer? Monomer? How are they assembled?

Monosaccharaides are single-unit sugars These molecules typically have a formula that is a multiple of CH 2 O Each molecule contains hydroxyl groups and a carbonyl group Monosaccharaides are the fuels for cellular work Carbohydrates Figure 3.4A

Isomers Glucose and fructose are isomers They contain the same atoms but in different arrangements

The ‘Ring’ form

Polysaccharides

Lipids Not true polymers Hydrocarbons that are non-polar Triglycerides are our bodies main energy reserve

Phospholipid

Lipids Steroids like cholesterol make up parts of cell membranes Steroid hormones

Form & Function

Proteins Used for structural components (cartilage)and functional (enzymes) Amino acids: carboxyl, amine and R-group

Primary Structure of a Protein

How Are Proteins Made?

Nucleic Acids Genetic material Link between gene & proteins Energy carriers and chemical messengers Nucleotides: sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous base ATP

The Four Bases

DNA & Protein: Uses in Systematics