1. Biochemistry Building Blocks of Life

2. Carbon is the main ingredient  Organic molecules: carbon based molecule  Inorganic molecules: non-carbon based molecules Examples: Water and Oxygen Examples: Water and Oxygen

3. Carbon is the main ingredient  Carbon atoms cannot only bond with other carbon atoms, but also with other elements Example: Organic molecules that are composed only of carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons Example: Organic molecules that are composed only of carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons CH 4 – Methane Gas (natural gas used to fuel homes)CH 4 – Methane Gas (natural gas used to fuel homes) In addition to hydrogen atoms, 2 other atoms are often found in organic molecules: oxygen and nitrogen

4. Organic Molecules  Organic molecules also contain specific properties that are defined by a specific group called functional groups Functional groups are a group of atoms within a molecule that interact in a predictable way with other molecules. Functional groups are a group of atoms within a molecule that interact in a predictable way with other molecules. 4 most common functional groups:4 most common functional groups: Hydroxyl Group Hydroxyl Group Carbonyl Group Carbonyl Group Carboxyl Group Carboxyl Group Amino Group Amino Group

5. Hydroxyl Group

6. Carbonyl Group

7. Carboxyl Group

8. Amino Group

9. Connection to water  Hydroxyl groups are Hydrophyllic or that they are attracted to water molecules. These types of molecules tend to be surrounded by water molecules when in an aqueous environment.  Hydrophobic molecules on the other hand are molecules that repel water molecules.

10. Review  What is the difference between an organic molecule and an inorganic moelcule. Give an example of each Give an example of each

11. Monomers and Polymers  Monomer: is a small molecular unit that is the building block of a larger molecule  Polymer: a long chain of monomers

12. Polymers  Can be a long straight chain or a chain with branching chains  Every living cells has thousands of different polymers  A variety of polymers differ in individuals of not only the same species, but have an even more vast array in different species  Polymers are made up of less that 50 kinds of monomers

13. Building and Breaking Polymers  Every time a monomer is added to a polymer chain, a water molecule is released. This process is called a dehydration reaction because a water molecule is lost.  Polymers are not only produced but are also broken down. The food that you eat is made up of polymers that are broken down through the process of digestion. The monomers that are then left over are then used by your cells or are used later to make new polymer chains. Your cells break down the monomers to use as a source of energy. In order to break the monomers down, the cells add water to break the bonds between monomers. This process of adding water is called a hydrolysis reaction. Your cells break down the monomers to use as a source of energy. In order to break the monomers down, the cells add water to break the bonds between monomers. This process of adding water is called a hydrolysis reaction.

14. Life’s 4 main large molecules  Carbohydrates  Lipids  Proteins  Nucleic Acids

15. Review  What are the two different ways to build and break polymers?  What are life’s 4 main molecules?