Unit #1 The Chemistry of Life Organic Chemistry

Organic Compounds Organic compounds are compounds that contain carbon (with the exception of CO 2 and a few others).

Make up most of living organisms Carbon can easily bond with up to 4 other elements 4 valence electrons = 4 covalent bonds Organic Compounds

Carbon atoms form the “backbone” of long chains or rings Organic molecules can be extremely large and complex; these are called macromolecules (or polymers) Organic Compounds

Functional Groups Various elements attach to the hydrocarbon backbone to form different types of compounds. These reactive clusters of atoms are called functional groups. Elements include: H, O, S & P

Functional Groups Hydroxyl group -OH Found in alcohols E.g. Ethanol Polar

Functional Groups Carboxyl group -COOH Found in acids E.g. Vinegar Polar

Functional Groups Amino group -NH 2 Found in bases E.g. Ammonia

Functional Groups Sulfhydryl group -SH Found in Rubber

Functional Groups Phosphate group -PO 4 Found in ATP

Functional Groups TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE What functional groups are in this molecule?

Test Your Knowledge… Name the functional groups

Test Your Knowledge… Name the functional groups Amino group Sulfhydryl group Carboxyl group Carbonyl group (Ketone)

Organic Compounds The 4 main types of organic macromolecules: CarbohydratesLipids ProteinsNucleic Acids

Making & Breaking Organic Compounds Anabolic Reactions Condensation Reactions (Dehydration synthesis Reaction) The removal of a –H from the functional group of one unit and a –OH from another unit to form a water molecule (H 2 O). Energy absorbed

Making & Breaking Organic Compounds Catabolic Reactions Hydrolysis Reactions A water molecule (H 2 O) is used to break a covalent bond holding subunits together. A –H from is given to one unit and a –OH to the another Energy released

Enzymes Enzymes are biological catalysts. They speed up reactions without actually being consumed in the reaction. They are needed for condensation & hydrolysis reactions.

Enzyme Action Example:

End Part I Get ready for Carbohydrates!

Carbohydrates Made of C, H, & O Main energy source for living things Breakdown of sugars supplies immediate energy for cell activities Plants store extra sugar as complex carbohydrates called starches

Carbohydrates Single sugar molecules are called monosaccharides Examples: glucose – in many plant and animal tissues, most common monosaccharide fructose – in many fruits galactose – component of milk

Carbohydrates Large molecules of many monosaccharide are polysaccharides Examples: glycogen – animals use to store excess sugar plant starch – plants use to store excess sugar cellulose – fibers that give plants their rigidity & strength

Lipids Store more energy than CHOs because the chains are longer Ex: Fats, oils, waxes Won’t dissolve in water

Lipids Important parts of biological membranes and waterproof coverings Steroids are lipids that act as chemical messengers

Lipids Many lipids are made from a glycerol combined with fatty acids –If all carbons have single bonds, lipid is saturated –Ex: butter, lard, animal fat (usually solid at room temperature) –If any carbons have double or triple bonds, lipid is unsaturated –Ex: vegetable oil, fish oil, peanut oil (usually liquid at room temperature)

Proteins Contain C, H, O, plus nitrogen Formed from amino acids joined together More than 20 amino acids can be joined in any order or number to make countless proteins (think of how many words can be made from 26 letters!)

Proteins Chains are folded and twisted giving each protein a unique shape Van der Waals forces and hydrogen bonds help maintain protein’s shape Shape of protein is important to its function!

Proteins Provide structure –Ex: Collagen- makes up your skin, muscles & bones Aid chemical activities in your body –Ex: Enzymes- work to speed up rxns in your body Transport substances into or out of cells Help fight diseases

Nucleic Acids Contain C, H, O, N plus phosphorus Formed by bonding of individual units called nucleotides nucleotide Nucleic Acid

Nucleic Acids Store and transmit hereditary information –Ex: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (ribonucleic acid)