1. Organic Compounds Essential Standard
Bio.4.1 Understanding how biological molecules are essential to the survival of living organisms.

2. Organic Compounds
Organic Molecules – contain carbon atoms covalently bonded to carbon atoms
Carbon-based life form
1 carbon can form up to 4 covalent bonds
Large Carbon Molecules
Monomers – smaller, simpler molecule; ”one part”
Polymers – consists of repeated, linked monomers; “many parts”
Macromolecules – larger, complex polymers
Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids

3. 1. Carbohydrates Structure = C, H, O in 1:2:1 ratio
Monomer = sugar or monosaccharides (glucose)
Polymer = disaccharides (sucrose) and polysaccharides (starch)
Function = energy usage (quick energy), building materials (cell wall)
Food Source:
Simple = sweets, candy, soda, fruits, etc.
Complex = pasta, potato, bread, etc.
Indicator Test:
Simple = benedicts – blue to red
Complex = iodine – yellow to black

4. 2. Proteins Structure = consists of NCHOPS Monomer = amino acids
20 common amino acids
Polymer = polypeptide (chain of amino acids)
Function = growth and repair, enzymatic activity, cell structure
Shape determines function!
Food Source = meat, fish, nuts, eggs, grains, soy products
Indicator Test = Biuret Solution – blue to purple

5. 2. Proteins
Enzymes – act as catalysts (essential for function of any cell)
Speeds up chemical reactions by reducing amount of activation energy needed
Enzyme reactions depend on physical fit between enzyme and its substrate – lock-and-key model

6. 3. Lipids Structure = Nonpolar, hydrocarbon chain
Monomer = fatty acids
Saturated vs Unsaturated
Polymer = fats
Triglyceride, phospholipids, steroids, waxes
Function = energy storage, structure component of cell membranes
Food Source = meat, fish, eggs, oil, nuts, avocado, etc.
Indicator Test = paper bag

7. 4. Nucleic Acids Structure = sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen bases
Monomer = nucleotide
Polymer = DNA, RNA, ATP
Function = stores and expresses genetic information
Food Source = minerals and vitamins
Indicator Test = none