But what’s so special about Carbon? Carbon has 4 valence electrons Can readily form and break bonds Forms long chains Can form single, double, and triple bonds Organic = Carbon

Essential Elements There are 25 elements that are vital to human survival However, only 6 of them make up the majority of our body: Carbon (C) Hydrogen (H) Oxygen (O) Nitrogen (N) Sulfur (S) Phosphorus (P)

Organic or Inorganic? Acetic Acid CH3COOH Sulfur dioxide SO 2 Hydrogen H 2 Acetone CH 3 COCH 3 Calcium Carbonate CaCO 3 Ascorbic Acid C 6 H 8 O 6 Hydrogen Peroxide H 2 O 2 Caffeine C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 Ammonia NH 3 Glucose C 6 H 12 O 6

All Living Things Contain Carbon! It appears that this planet consists of carbon-based life-forms… Acetic Acid CH3COOH Acetone CH 3 COCH 3 Calcium Carbonate CaCO 3 Ascorbic Acid C 6 H 8 O 6 Caffeine C 8 H 10 N 4 O 2 Glucose C 6 H 12 O 6

Macromolecules: the Ingredients for Life Macromolecules are large molecules made up of smaller organic molecules. Living organisms must have 4 essential components, which we call macromolecules. 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids

How Big are Macromolecules? Atoms Molecules and Compounds Organelles Cells Organs Organisms Macromolecules

So, What are Macromolecules? Macromolecules are large molecules that are made of smaller units called monomers (mono = one). When these monomers link together to form a larger molecule, it is called a polymer (poly = many)

How are they made and taken apart? Macromolecules are synthesized (made) when their monomers are linked together by removing water The process of removing water in order to create bonds and link together molecules is called dehydration. Macromolecules are broken down by adding water to the bonds between their monomers. This process of adding water in order to break bonds is called hydrolysis.

Dehydration Reaction Hydrolysis

Recipe for Life Ingredients:  Carbohydrates  Lipids  Proteins  Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates Elements: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio. Monomer: simple sugar, also called a monosaccharide. Ex: glucose, fructose, galactose Polymer: Disaccharide – 2 monosaccharides linked together by covalent bonds Ex: sucrose, lactose, maltose Polysaccharide – many monosaccharides or disaccharides linked together in large, repeating units by covalent bonds

Carbohydrates Function: quick energy, energy storage or structural units Quick Energy Simple sugars such as mono- and disaccharides Energy Storage Large polysaccharides Ex: starch in plants; glycogen in animal liver and muscle Structural Units Large polysaccharides Ex: cellulose in plant walls; chitin in fungi

Recipe for Life Ingredients:  Carbohydrates  Lipids  Proteins  Nucleic Acids