1. Chemistry of Life
Chapter 6

2. Everything is made of elements
An element is a substance that can’t be broken down into simpler chemical substances
Ex. Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, Calcium, Fluorine, Lithium, Gold
(Elements are made out of atoms)

3. Compounds
Elements can bond together to form compounds
A compound is a substance that is composed of two or more different elements that are chemically bond
Examples:
Water is H2O
Salt is NaCl
Glucose (sugar) is C6H12O6

4. These are all the elements known in existence

5. Different types of compounds:
All compounds on this Earth are either classified as inorganic or organic.
Inorganic Compounds do not contain carbon elements
Organic Compounds contain carbon elements

6. Carbon can bond to itself and other elements
Importance of Carbon
Carbon is used to distinguish between all compounds because it is so important to life: it’s the “backbone” of all living things
Carbon has the ability to form many different types of bonds and shapes
Carbon can bond to itself and other elements

8. Inorganic Compounds
Examples of inorganic compounds include water and salt
Water is the most important inorganic compound to life
We’ve studied the properties of water and its unique characteristics and how that relates to living things
Salt’s chemical formula is NaCl (sodium chloride) so it’s also inorganic

9. Organic Compounds are divided into 4 major classes:
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic Acids

10. Major Elements of Human Body
The majority of the human body and most living things is made up of just 4 basic elements:
Carbon (C)
Hydrogen (H)
Oxygen (O)
Nitrogen (N)

11. Food Sort Activity (Examples of Compounds)
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Lipids
Nucleic Acid

12. Food Sort Activity (Examples of Compounds)
Carbohydrates (Sugars)
Proteins
Lipids (Fats, Waxes, Oils)
Nucleic Acid

13. Food Labels Activity
Your group will be given a food label (from food sort)
Analyze the food label and identify the following:
What organic compounds are in this food?
What inorganic compounds are in this food?
Identify the calorie, fat, sodium, sugar, and protein content.