Molecules of Life

Carbohydrates Function for quick and short term energy storage. “Hydrates of Carbon” with the formula C n (H 2 0) n.

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars that are formed into one Carbon ring. Polysaccharides: Complex sugars formed by chains of Carbon rings.

Cellulose is a complex polysaccharide that we can not digest. It is also called fiber or roughage.

Lipids Contain more energy than any other biological molecules. Fats-solid at room temperature. Oils-liquid at room temp.

Lipids are non-polar molecules, and therefore do not dissolve in water. They are the key to all membrane structure.

Saturated fats have as many Hydrogens as possible and allow for a dense solid structure. Unsaturated fats have double bonds between Carbons and do not form as dense a fat.

Proteins Made from a long chain of amino acids that are connected by peptide bonds. The order of the amino acids in the chain determine the shape of the protein. The different shapes of the proteins allow for different functions.

Functions of proteins: Support Enzymes Transport Defense Hormones Motion

When proteins are subject to extreme heat or pH, they denature, or lose their shape.

Nucleic Acids Genetic material found in the nucleus of all cells. (DNA and RNA) Functions to direct the sequence of amino acids in protein formation.

Double-helix shape stores the code in sequence of A,C,T, and G in the “rungs” of the ladder.

Each section of the ladder is called a nucleotide. Sugar, phosphate, and base

DNA is passed down from parent to offspring as heredity.