1. Carbon-Based Molecules Part 1
Biochemistry

2. Objectives SWBAT describe the bonding properties of carbon atoms.
SWBAT compare carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

3. Starter
We have talked about carbon based molecules in other units. I want you to take a couple of minutes and make a list of the carbon based compounds we have touched on in this class or you have heard about in other places.
You may work in groups.

4. Vocabulary for Unit 2.3 (P. 44)
Monomer
Polymer
Carbohydrate
Monosaccharide
Polysaccharide
Starch
Cellulose
glycogen
Lipid
Fatty acid
Protein
Amino acid
Nucleic acid

5. Carbon: Building Blocks of Life
Carbon atoms are the basis of most molecules making up living things.
They form the structure of living things.
Carry out most of the processes that keep organisms alive.
Carbon atoms have special bonding properties, due to its atomic structure, which are unique among elements.

6. Carbon: Building Blocks of Life
Carbon atom has four unpaired electrons in its outer energy level – allowing it to form covalent bonds with up to four other atoms (including other carbon atoms).

7. Carbon: Building Blocks of Life
Because Carbon can form four other covalent bonds, it can form large molecules (long chains and rings).

8. Hydrocarbons are classified based on how many carbons strung together
How Cleanly a hydrocarbon burns is based on the length of the carbon chain. Fewer carbons equals cleaner burning.

9. Quick Question
Why is methane considered clean burning (when it burns, what does it produce)?

10. Carbon Chains and Rings
Carbon-based molecules have 3 fundamental structures (creating a lot of flexibility):
Straight chains (Pentene)
Branched chains (Iso-butane)

11. Carbon Chains and Rings
Rings (Vanillin and Hexane ring)
To reiterate, the bonding flexibility is due to the carbon’s ability to enter into up to 4 covalent bonds at the same time – forming large molecules

12. Links in a chain
Large carbon molecules are made out of many smaller ones linked together.

14. Links are called monomers, the chains are polymers.
Each link, a smaller molecule, is known as a monomer (mono means one).
Monomers linked together form a polymer (a molecule that contains many monomers bonded together.

15. Links are called monomers, the chains are polymers.

16. Question to check understanding
What is the difference between a monomer and a polymer?

17. Carbohydrates The word carbohydrate literally means “watered carbon.”
Do you remember the chemical formula for glucose? How does that remind us of the formula for water?
C6H12O6

18. Carbohydrate Definition
Molecules composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen – they are polymers of glucose.
They include sugars and starches.
Carbohydrates can be broken down to provide a source of usable chemical energy for cells.
They are a major part of plant cell structure (our producers).

19. Glucose – simple sugar The most basic carbohydrates are simple sugars.
Glucose is a simple sugar (it contains six carbons and is called a monosaccharide).

20. Simple sugars can be bonded together
Quick Test: When is glucose made?
Answer - photosynthesis
Glucose molecules can be bonded to one another to make larger carbohydrates called polysaccharides.
This is glucose linked as polysaccharides.

21. Connecting a concept
Glucose is a monosaccharide – this makes it a what?
Answer – a monomer
A chain of glucose is a polysaccharide – so, a chain of glucose monomers makes a . . .
Polymer – a polymer is known as a macromolecule.

22. This is a disaccharide known as table sugar
So . . .
Multiple monosaccharides (monomers) linked together form polysaccharides (polymers).
Examples:
Starch (storage and source of energy in plants), glycogen (storage and energy source in animals, and cellulose (for plant structure), are polysaccharides
This is a disaccharide known as table sugar

23. Cellulose, Starch, and Glycogen
Cellulose is a rigid, straight polymer which makes up the cell walls of plants.
it is tough and fibrous (a good source of your fiber).
Starch – made and stored by plants and can be broken down for energy by both plants and animals.
Glycogen – made and stored in animals is highly branched but essentially does the same thing in animals that starch does in plants.

24. Interesting Fact
Few animals have enzymes that allow them to hydrolyze cellulose.
Primary consumers (cows, pigs, goats, deer, termites, etc.), however, are able to use cellulose for nutrients because of protists and bacteria living in their guts.
Cellulose is the most abundant organic molecule on Earth.

25. Entrance Ticket for Next Time
What elements make up a carbohydrate?
Explain how the bonding properties of carbon atoms result in the large variety of carbon-based molecules in living things?