2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Objective: SWBAT: Summarize the Characteristics of organic compounds IOT: Identify the function and structure of biomolecules

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules KEY CONCEPT Carbon-based molecules are the foundation of life. Meaning all living things are based on carbon-based molecules.

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Carbon atoms have unique bonding properties. Carbon atoms form stable bonds with four other atoms (Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and/or Carbon), this makes it suited for the construction of complex molecules. Chemically, this is due to carbons 4 valence electrons which make it able to form 4 bonds to achieve stability. Valence electrons – electrons in the outermost energy level; these are the electrons that are available to bond with other atoms

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Many carbon-based molecules are made of many small subunits bonded together called monomers. –Monomers join together to form a polymer. Assembling & Disassembling Polymers via Chemical Reactions –Hydrolysis- water interacts with a polymer breaking the bonds that link monomers to each other. Break a polymer down into monomers –Dehydration synthesis- bonds are formed linking monomers together while losing water molecules. Build a polymer by bonded a bunch of monomers

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Four main types of carbon-based molecules are found in living things. 1.Carbohydrates Chemical Make-up Carbohydrates are made of C, H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio Monomer/Polymer –Monomer: Monosaccharides –Polymer: Polysaccharides

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Functions Carbohydrates can be broken down to provide energy for cells. Polymer (starch) Starch is a polymer of glucose monomers that often has a branched structure. Polymer (cellulose) Cellulose is a polymer of glucose monomers that has a straight, rigid structure monomer Some carbohydrates are part of cell structure. Example Carbohydrates include sugars, cellulose, starches

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules 2. Lipids Chemical Make-up Composed of C, H and a little O Monomer/Polymer –Monomer: Fatty acids bonded to glycerol –Polymer: Lipids Examples Triglycerides (fats, oils) phospholipids, steroids (cholesterol, hormones) and wax. Triglyceride

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Fats and oils have different types of fatty acids. –saturated fatty acids –unsaturated fatty acids Chemical Structure

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Saturated fats butter, dairy products, meat- which remains solid at room temperature. –“Bad” because in excess raise cholesterol –Saturated or full- no more hydrogen (or other atoms) can be added Unsaturated fats avocado, soybean oil, canola oil and olive oil. –“Good” –Unsaturated or not full- More hydrogen can be added Saturated versus Unsaturated fats

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Functions Lipids have several different functions. –broken down as a source of energy –make up cell membranes – used to make hormones- control important body functions

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules 3. Proteins Chemical Make-up Made up of C, H, O, S and N Monomer/Polymers –Monomer: Amino acids ( Twenty different amino acids are used to build proteins in organisms.) –Polymer: Polypeptides or Proteins (bunch of amino acids) R group Carboxyl Amino group

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Examples - Can be found in foods like beans, nuts and meat - Enzymes - Hormones Functions - Different proteins have different functions - Major functions include structural support, - Speed up chemical reactions (enzymes) - Communication via hormones

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Nucleic acids Make-up Made up of C, H, O, P and N Monomer/Polymer –Nucleotides (are made of a sugar, phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.) –Nucleic acids A phosphate group nitrogen-containing molecule, called a base deoxyribose (sugar)

2.3 Carbon-Based Molecules Examples –DNA deoxyribose nucleic acid –RNA ribonucleic acid Functions –DNA stores genetic information; holds instructions for controlling EVERYTHING that happens in a cell. –RNA builds proteins DNA RNA