Building Blocks of Life TEKS 7.6A identify that organic compounds contain carbon and other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, nitrogen or sulfur

cells All living things are made up of cells.

But what makes up cells?

Amazingly, cells are made up almost entirely of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus & sulfur.

These elements make up four basic types of organic molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins & nucleic acids.

Molecules are the smallest particle of a substance that keeps the chemical & physical properties of that substance & are composed of two or more atoms.

Naturally occurring organic molecules are made by plants or animals.

They are built into long chains of smaller units… like adding beads to a bracelet or cars to a train.

All organic compound contain the element carbon.

Carbohydrates made up of carbon, hydrogen & oxygen

sugars & starches are common carbohydrates that provide energy & support to cells

Lipids made up of carbon, hydrogen & oxygen

fats, oils & waxes are common lipids that store energy & provide protection to cells

Proteins made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen & sometimes sulfur

proteins provide structure to muscles, skin, hair, nails & the outside membrane of cells

Nucleic acids made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus & sometimes sulfur

two nucleic acids with all of the genetic information to control & build cells are deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) & ribonucleic acid (RNA)