1. The
BIG
Four
Organic Compounds

2. The BIG Four Lipids (or fats) Carbohydrates Proteins And Nucleic Acids
There are four organic compounds that are essential to our cells for life. Macromolecules are large molecules (polymers) that are found in living cells. They are built by linking smaller molecules called monomers.
Lipids (or fats)
Carbohydrates
Proteins
And Nucleic Acids

3. LIPIDS: Monomer Monomer is TRIGLYCERIDES
Composed of Glycerol & 3 fatty acid chains.
Lipids are shaped like the letter “E”.

4. LIPIDS: Elements
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen

5. LIPIDS: Function Fats STORE energy; LONG TERM
INSULATE the body to maintain normal body temperature
CUSHION the internal organs for protection.
Produce hormones for the body called STERIODS
Waterproof surfaces on animals, plants, and fruits- these are waxes!

6. LIPIDS
Include: Oils, Fats, Waxes, Steroids
Found in butter, vegetable oil margarine
Hydrophobic

7. CARBOHYDRATES: Monomer
Monosaccharides (single sugar)
– glucose, galactose, fructose, etc.
Polysaccharides (more than one sugar)
– glycogen, starch, cellulose, etc.

8. CARBOHYDRATES: Elements
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen

9. CARBOHYDRATES: Function
Supply SHORT term energy to cells
Storage
In humans, extra sugar is stored as glycogen (a long chain of glucose molecules) in the muscles and liver.
In plants, extra sugar is often stored as starch.
Structural molecules
In plants, a carbohydrate called cellulose, actually makes up the plant’s cell wall.

10. CARBOHYDRATES
Includes glucose (sugar), starches, cellulose & glycogen
Found in cookies, candy, fruits, sugar, breads, potatoes, vegetables

11. PROTEINS: Monomer All proteins are made of the monomer… AMINO ACID
All proteins are made of 20 different amino acids linked in different orders.
Peptide bonds form to hold the amino acids together.

12. PROTEINS: Elements
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen

13. PROTEIN: Function Present in all cell membranes
Make antibodies in the immune system
Make enzymes (-ase) for helping chemical reactions
Make non-steroid hormones (ex: insulin that breaks down sugar in your bloodstream)
Make hemoglobin, which carries oxygen in your blood
Major structural molecules in living things for growth and repair: muscles, ligaments, tendons, bones, hair, skin, nails

14. PROTEINS Includes insulin, enzymes, hemoglobin
Found in eggs, fish, chicken, meats, milk, fruits, vegetables, nuts, and grains

15. Nucleic Acids: Monomer
Nucleic acids are made up of
Nucleotides
Nucleotides have three parts:
5 carbon sugar
Phosphate
Nitrogenous base

16. NUCLEIC ACIDS: Elements
Carbon
Hydrogen
Oxygen
Nitrogen
Phosphorus

17. Nucleic Acids: Function
Store and transmit hereditary or genetic information.
Instructions for our body’s cells.

18. Nucleic Acids
Include: DNA and RNA
Found in cells

19. In Summary, the BIG four organic compounds are:
Lipids
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Nucleic Acids

20. Food Tests Sugars-Benedict’s Solution-Red Starch-Iodine-Blue and Black
Protein-Biuret’s Solution-Pinkish Purple
Lipids-Clear spot spreads outwards on paper