Organic Molecules Carbon Carbon is basis for all

Organic Molecules Carbon • Carbon is basis for all organic molecules. • Carbon can form bonds with up to four other atoms, including other carbon atoms. • Carbon can form large molecules made up of carbon chains, rings and branched chains. • Therefore, carbon can form a infinite number of structures and macromolecules.

Carbohydrates • Made up of C, H, O; usually in a ratio of 1: 2: 1. • Basic unit = monosaccharide (simple sugar). Ex. = glucose, galactose and fructose. • Large carbs are called polysaccharides. Ex. Starch, glycogen and cellulose • Uses – mainly as a source of easily accessible energy. Plants may use for structure or storage of energy.

Lipids (Fig. 2 -14, p 46) • Made up of C, H, O – much less oxygen than found in carbs. • Includes fats, oils and waxes. Nonpolar and therefore insoluble in water. • Uses: Long-term energy storage, insulation, cell membranes, steroids (type of hormone). • Saturated lipids (unhealthy) do not have and double or triple bonds between C atoms. Unsaturated lipids have a least one double bond are healthier.

Nucleic Acids (Fig. 2 -15, p 47) • Made up of C, H, O, N, P. • Basic unit is a nucleotide which consists of a nitrogenous base, a 5 -carbon sugar and a phosphate group. • Two types are DNA: deoxyribonucleic acid (deoxyribose) and RNA ribonucleic acid (ribose). • Uses – store and transmit genetic information.

Proteins (Fig. 2 -16, p 47) • Made up of C, H, O, N and usually S. • Basic units are amino acids, which have an amino group, a carboxyl group and a Rgroup. Amino acids are joined together by covalent bonds called peptide bonds. • There are 20 common amino acids. • Uses: Enzymes, structure (bones, muscle), antibodies (immunity), transport oxygen, hormones.

Which elements make up more than 96% of an organism? Hint: Which elements make up lipids, carbs, nucleic acids and proteins? • • • Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen Nitrogen Sulfur Phosphorus