1. The Building Blocks of L I F E

2. In your table groups make as many observations as you can about the diagram on the left.

3. Of the naturally occurring elements on earth, only about 25% are essential to living organisms.
In fact, only four of the elements Carbon, Hydrogen,
Oxygen & Nitrogen together
make up more than 96% of
the mass of a human body. C H O N
96%

4. Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids Most matter in your body
that is not water is made of what we call organic compounds.
Organic compounds contain carbon atoms.
There are four principal classes of organic compounds found in all living things:
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Without these compounds, cells could not function.

5. Ask yourself these Questions
What chemical elements make up these molecules?
They are made up of building blocks called
monomers, but what are they?
What are some examples of these biomolecules?
What is their function?

6. Research each of the biomolecules we have discussed (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids) then record the information on the left in your notebook
Biomolecule
Elements its made from:
Monomers (building blocks):
Examples:
Functions:
Chemical structure drawing:

7. Get a copy of the Holt biology textbook and begin your research on page 34

8. sugars, starches, glycogen, cellulose
Carbohydrates
Elements its made from:
Monomers (building blocks):
Examples:
Functions:
Chemical structure:
C, H, O
Monosaccharides
sugars, starches, glycogen, cellulose
main source of energy for cells

9. Fats, oils, waxes, steroids
Lipids
Elements its made from:
Monomers (building blocks):
Examples:
Functions:
Chemical structure:
Bees Wax
C, H, O
Fatty Acids & Glycerol
Fats, oils, waxes, steroids
Long term energy storage, major component of cell membrane

10. Proteins C, H, O, N Muscles & enzymes Elements its made from:
Monomers (building blocks):
Examples:
Functions:
Chemical structure:
C, H, O, N
Amino Acids
Muscles & enzymes
Structure, regulates cellular processes & chemical reactions

11. Nucleic Acids C, H, O, N, P DNA & RNA Elements its made from:
Monomers (building blocks):
Examples:
Functions:
Chemical structure:
C, H, O, N, P
Nucleotides
DNA & RNA
Stores and transfers genetic information

12. Bridging the Gap Birds Bears Nests Caves
We use bridge maps like the one below to show relationships between concepts
Birds
Nests
Bears
Caves

13. Bridging the Gap
Bricks
Polymers

14. Bridging the Gap
Monomer
We use knowledge of biomolecules and their building blocks to complete the multi-bridge map above.