Chemistry of Life Big Question What are the

Chemistry of Life

Big Question What are the building blocks of organisms?

Atoms and Elements ● Atom: smallest unit of an element that maintains the properties of that element ● Element: substances made up of one type of atom ● Cannot be broken into smaller parts

Periodic Table Elements are put into a table by groups and properties. About 100 elements on table.

Molecules ● Molecule: group of atoms held together by chemical bonds o Some made from one type of atom o Example: Oxygen gas: O 2 → two atoms of oxygen

Compounds ● Compound: substance of atoms of two or more elements joined by chemical bonds o o Most molecules are compounds Example: Water: H 2 O → one hydrogen atom, 2 oxygen atoms

Types of Molecules ● Lipids: fat molecules o o Do not mix with water Function: store energy ● Proteins: molecule made of amino acids ● Amino Acids: make new proteins ● Function: build, repair, and regulate ● Enzymes: proteins that help cell processes

Types of Molecules ● Carbohydrates: molecules that include sugars, starches, and fiber o Function: energy use and storage

Types of Molecules ● Nucleic Acids: molecules that carry information in cells o o Made of nucleotides (small molecules) Example: DNA

Cell Membrane ● Cell Membrane: surrounds and protects cells, and keeps cell stable o Made of phospholipids ● ● ● lipid made of phosphorous Tail: pushes water away Head: attracts water

How does water get into and leave a cell? ● Osmosis: movement of water into and out of cell through the cell membrane