Warm up – You are what you eat! With your elbow partner, talk about the information on this nutrition label. What does all of this information mean? How would this food (a potato) benefit the consumer? All living things break down food to get the nutrients in it.

Chemistry of Life All matter (living & nonliving) is made of elements. The basic unit of an element is the atom. Elements found in living things include (CHNOPS): Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Oxygen Phosphorus Sulphur

What do elements have to do with cells? Elements combine to form compounds. The basic unit is the molecule.

The Compounds of Life Living things are made of organic & inorganic compounds. Organic: Proteins Carbohydrates Lipids (fats) Nucleic acids Inorganic: - usually do NOT contain carbon Carbon dioxide – CO2 (exception to the rule!) Water – H2O Salt - NaCl All contain CARBON … Living things are carbon-based

So… The basic unit of matter is an ATOM, but the basic unit of life is the CELL.

Organic Compounds (contain CARBON!) Foldable: Proteins Carbohydrates Lipids & ATP Nucleic Acids Organic Compounds (contain CARBON!)

Proteins Almost all life processes of a cell involve proteins. Proteins are large molecules made of smaller molecules called amino acids. Organisms break down proteins in food to supply cells with amino acids. Functions: Building structures (ex: hair, feathers) Help cells do their job Ex: carry oxygen in blood cells Enzymes – type of protein that speed up chemical reactions in living things. Ex: saliva Foods high in protein: Meat, eggs, fish, nuts & beans

Carbohydrates Molecules made of sugars Function: 2 types: Food: Source of energy Energy storage 2 types: Simple carbs – made of one sugar molecule Ex: table sugar, sugar in fruits Complex carbs – hundreds of sugar molecules; can be stored Ex: potatoes, grains Food: Fruits & veggies & grains

Lipids Lipids cannot mix with water. Function: 1. Fats & Oils – store energy 2. Phospholipids – form the cell membrane

ATP Adenosine triphosphate Function: Major energy carrying molecule in the cell The energy in carbohydrates and lipids must be transferred to ATP, which then provides fuel for cellular activities.

Nucleic acids Sometimes called the blueprints of life. Contain the instructions that cells need to carry out life functions. Made of sub-units called nucleotides. Help a cell to make proteins Ex: DNA

“3-2-1” Ticket-Out-the-Door List 3 characteristics that all living things share List 2 needs of all living things Explain the function of 1 organic compound that all living things need.

Warm Up: Example: Dogs are canines. Obedient Great Companions Create an acrostic that describes the characteristics and needs of living things: L I V N G T H S Example: Dogs are canines. Obedient Great Companions St. Bernard

Review of Chemistry of Living Things Word Sort activity