1. MCAS Biology Ms Mahoney
The Chemistry of Life
MCAS Biology
Ms Mahoney

2. The Chemistry of Life
Central Concept: Chemical elements form organic molecules that interact to perform the basic functions of life.
Essential Elements
Recognize that biological organisms are composed primarily of very few elements. The six most common are C, H, N, O, P, and S.

3. Hierarchy of Life Organism Organ System Organ Tissue Cell Organelles
Compounds
Elements/Atoms

4. 6 Essential Elements for Life
SYMBOL
Carbon C
Hydrogen H
Oxygen O
Nitrogen N
Sulfur S
Phosphorus P
4 most important: H O N C if you love Life!!!

5. Carbon Used in all of life’s compounds Most Important for life
Creates connections (bonds) with many other elements
H N O S P and C
Creates many different compounds (organic)

6. The Chemistry of Life
Central Concept: Chemical elements form organic molecules that interact to perform the basic functions of life.
Organic Compounds
Describe the basic molecular structures and primary functions of the four major categories of organic molecules (carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids).

7. Organic Compounds Single parts: monomers Many parts: polymers
Mono means one
Many parts: polymers
Poly means many
4 Organic Compounds
Lipids
Carbohydrates
Proteins
Nucleic Acids

8. Lipids Monomer Examples Jobs Hydrocarbon chain and glycerin
Fats, oils, waxes, steroids, cell membrane
Jobs
Store energy
Keep water in or out (waterproofing)

9. Carbohydrates Made from C H and O Monomer Monosaccharide Polymer
Glucose C6H12O6
Monomer
Monosaccharide
Polymer
Polysaccharide
Examples
Sugar (ends in “ose” like glucose)
Starch, cellulose
Jobs
Quick Energy

11. Proteins Monomer Amino Acid Polymer Polypeptide or Protein Examples
Enzymes (help in chemical
reactions, ends in “ase”)
Hemoglobin (carries oxygen
in blood)
Insulin (tells cells they can take in sugar)
Jobs
Performs most of the body’s functions
Fight disease, movement

12. Nucleic Acids Monomer Nucleotide Polymer Nucleic Acid Examples
DNA, RNA, ATP
Jobs
Holds genetic information
Helps make proteins
Carries energy (ATP)

14. The Chemistry of Life
Central Concept: Chemical elements form organic molecules that interact to perform the basic functions of life.
Enzymes
Explain the role of enzymes as catalysts that lower the activation energy of biochemical reactions. Identify factors, such as pH and temperature, that have an effect on enzymes.

15. Enzymes Type of protein Ends in “ase” Catalyst
Speed up chemical reactions
Some reactions need energy to work and enzymes help by lowering the amount of “activation” energy

16. Enzymes Conditions that affect when enzymes work pH Temperature
Enzymes in the stomach work at a lower pH than in the muscles
Temperature
Enzymes in the body work best at 98.6°F
If it gets too cold or too hot, enzymes can not work
Chemical reactions can not work