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The Chemistry of Life Biomolecules “Carbon Compounds”

You have probably learned about levels of organization within living things in the past… - Cells - Tissues - Organs - Organ Systems - Organism

But we are going smaller! Just what size of things are we talking about here?

 All living organisms require the same basic “building blocks” to survive and function.  These molecules give us energy, form the structures that make us, and determine our characteristics.

There are four types of biomolecules (macromolecules) in living organisms. 1. Carbohydrates 2. Lipids 3. Proteins 4. Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates – sugars Monosaccharaides (simple sugars) i.e. C 6 H 12 O 6 - glucose Disaccharaides (double ring sugars) i.e. sucrose – table sugar Polysaccharides (complex sugars) starch, cellulose, and glycogen

Carbohydrate Functions Quick energy foods. How stored: Plants  starch Animals  glycogen

Lipids

Lipid Functions 1. Important in cell membrane 2. High energy food 3. Protects vital organs 4. Insulates the body 5. Stores food (energy)for later use 6. Made of C, H, O

Structure of Lipids

Proteins

Protein Function Most Abundant: 50% of Dry Wt Build Internal Structures Movement: Makes up muscle tissue Transport: Carries oxygen in an organism Immunity: Helps fight off foreign invaders Enzymes: Speed up chemical reactions

Protein (Structure)

Nucleic Acids

Two types of nucleic acids DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) RNA (Ribonucleic acid) Contain genetic code/information that determines our characteristics

Nucleic Acids Monomer is called a nucleotide. Made from a sugar ring, phosphate group and a nitrogen base.

Basic Structure Building Blocks Function Examples Carbohydrate Short term energy source Used within 24 hrs. Breads Cereals Fruit Starch Pasta Monomer - Monosaccharides (ring) Polymer - Polysaccharides (chain)

Basic Structure Building Blocks Function Examples Lipids Forms structure of cell membrane High energy food Long term energy storage Insulates body Fat Oils Butter Monomer Glycerol (hydrophilic head) Fatty Acids (hydrophobic tails) Polymer – Lipid Triglyceride Phospholipid

Basic Structure Building Blocks Function Examples Proteins Forms structure of cells Fights infection Speed up reactions (enzymes) Hormones Foods Meat Beans Eggs Monomer – Amino Acids (beads) Polymer – Polypeptide (giant tangled chain) Internal Hair Skin Muscle Enzymes

Basic Structure Building Blocks Function Examples Nucleic Acids Stores genetic code Pass genetic information to offspring Directions to produce proteins DNA – Genetic coding RNA – Protein coding Monomer – Nucleotide Polymer – Double Helix (DNA) / Single strand (RNA)

Crash Course - Biological Molecules