WHY IS CARBON AN ESSENTIAL ELEMENT FOR BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS? Organic Compounds

Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Similarities of Organic Compounds All contain carbon All are monomers that join together to form polymers

Carbohydrates (Sugars) Consist of C, H, and O Form in chains or rings

Carbohydrates (Sugars) Three types:  Monosaccharides (one sugar) – glucose, fructose  Disaccharide (two sugars) – sucrose (glucose + fructose)  Polysaccharide (many sugars) – starches, cellulose Used to provide quick sources of energy Tested for using Benedict’s Reagent and Lugol’s Iodine

Lipids (Fats) Consist of C, H, and O Arranged in chains Used to form protective coverings, cell membranes, and long-term energy storage Tested for using brown paper towel test

Proteins Consist of C, H, O, and N Made up of amino acids  Amino acids join together by a peptide bond to form proteins

Proteins Used to build muscle and bone, forms fingernails and hair, controls reactions Tested for using Biuret reagent

Nucleic Acids Consist of C, H, O, N, and P Made up of nucleotides  Nucleotides join together to form DNA or RNA Contains genetic information