Molecules of Life Compounds of Carbon Organic Compounds

Molecules of Life Compounds of Carbon

Organic Compounds: Compounds containing C C makes four bonds Can build large structures with many shapes

Large Carbon Molecules Monomer: simple molecule used to build a chain Dimer: two monomers Polymer: many monomers joined a. k. a. macromolecules Condensation: building a polymer Hydrolysis: breaking a polymer

Functional Groups: Branches off a carbon chain that influence molecule properties Ex/ hydroxyl group – indicates an alcohol Ethanol, methanol, glycerol, etc.

1. Carbohydrates: Composed mainly of C, H, O Sugars, starches, etc. Used to store energy (glucose) Used to build structures (cellulose) Usually in the ratio of 1 C: 2 H: 1 O

Monosaccharides: Simple sugars Common formula C 6 H 12 O 6 Glucose Fructose Galactose Isomer -

Disaccharides: Double sugars Sucrose Glucose and fructose combined Lactose Glucose and galactose

Polysaccharides: 3+ sugars Often used to store energy Animals Glycogen Plants Starch Cellulose - stored glucose in liver and muscles

2. Proteins: C, H, O, N (some S) Building block of many cellular parts and body areas Created from DNA and help control the body’s functioning Source of energy in food

Amino Acids: Monomers of proteins Consist of a C atom covalently bonded to four other groups H Carboxyl group (COOH) Amino group (NH 2) R group Different for every amino acid

Amino Acid Chains Dipeptides: 2 aa’s Peptide bond - covalent bond between two amino acids Polypeptide: 3+ aa’s Protein: 1+ polypeptide/s Twisted shape Shape is influenced by heat

Enzymes: Organic molecules that act as catalysts Catalyst: molecule that lowers activation energy in a reaction Substrate: molecule an enzyme bonds with Enzyme and substrate fit like a lock and key Enzyme is unchanged by interaction Changing temp can effect enzyme efficacy

3. Lipids: C, H, O Nonpolar Do not dissolve in water Long chains of C atoms Have many carbon hydrogen bonds Good for energy storage

Fatty Acids: Long C chain lipid monomers Non-polar section Hydrophobic: Carboxyl group attached at one end Polar section Hydrophilic: Saturated v. Unsaturated

Triglycerides: 3 fatty acid chains attached to a glycerol Saturated triglycerides Solid at room temp. Shortening, animal fats Unsaturated Liquid triglycerides at room temp. Found in plant seeds, fruits, and nuts

Other lipids Phospholipids: 2 fatty acid chains joined to a glycerol Make up the cell membrane Waxes: Fatty acid chain joined to a long alcohol Used for hydrophobic properties Steroids: Made of C rings Ex/ cholesterol

4. Nucleic Acids: Store information in a cell Nucleotide: the monomer of a nucleic acid Ex/ deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), ribonucleic acid (RNA)