Carbon Compounds
Learning Objectives Describe the unique qualities of carbon. Describe the structures and functions of each of the four groups of macromolecules. For each macromolecule you will need to know: The name of the monomer Identify a picture of the monomer Identify functional groups The functions in living things Examples of specific types of this organic compound.
Life s molecular diversity is based on the properties of carbon Chain Ring Branching chain
The Chemistry of Carbon : carbon based Carbon can make 4 covalent bonds The foundation of organic chemistry are Made of carbon and hydrogen only Non-polar therefore
Important Functional Groups in Carbon Compounds Keep your eye out for these 5 functional groups (all are polar and hydrophilic)
Macromolecules are very large molecules Ex. DNA, proteins, carbohydrates and fats Macromolecules are made by piecing small molecules ( ) into chains of repeating units ( ) 2 important chemical reactions for making and breaking down macromolecules: : building reaction, monomers are linked together into polymers (polymerization) : breaking reaction, polymers are dissembled into monomers Animated examples
Monomers Polymer
(Sugars) Structure (what it is made of) C, H, O (usually following the ratio 1C:2H:1O) Contain OH groups and C=O groups Monomers: Polymers: Often, names end in ose Function (purpose) Energy Structure (building material for cells)
Carbohydrates Examples (Quick Energy) Monosaccharides (blood sugar) (honey) (made of 2 monosaccharides) (table sugar): combination of fructose and glucose (milk) (Energy Storage and Structure) Made in animals: (energy storage) (structure) Made in plants: (energy storage) (structure)
Lipids (Fats) Structure: Mostly C and H Contain OH and COOH groups Non-polar (hydrophobic) (closest thing to a polymer) (kind of a monomer) Three Functions Energy storage Chemical barriers Waterproof coverings Chemical messages (steroids) (kind of a monomer)
Lipid Examples Triglycerides Store energy in adipose (fat) cells fatty acids Contain at least 1 C-C double bond Liquid at room temp Ex. Oils fatty acids No double bonds Solid at room temp Ex. Butter Protect plants and animals from water : fats that create barriers (membranes) in cells Made of 2 fatty acids (like in triglycerides) and 1 phosphate group Have a end and a hydrophobic hydrocarbon tail Made of 4 fused carbon rings Send messages in living things (testosterone and estrogen)
Nucleic Acids Structure Contain C, H, O, N and P Monomers are called and are made of 3 smaller subunits: Nitrogen base Phosphate group 5-carbon sugar Polymer: Functions and Examples Store and transmit information ( and ) Acts as a battery for the cell ( )
Proteins Structure Proteins are polymers made of monomers called All Amino acids have 3 functional groups and contain C, H, O and N Carboxyl group (-COOH) Amino group (-NH 2) ) (portion of the amino acid that makes each unique) AA can be joined using covalent bonds called an amino acid is a The information for how to create the correct sequence of AA s is contained in DNA There are 20 different AA AA have chemical diversity they can be Hydrophilic or Hydrophobic Neutral, positively charged or negatively charged Acidic/basic or neutral, a chain of
Protein Function/Examples : control the rate of reactions in the body ( ) Regulate processes in the body ( ) Building material ( ) Transportation of materials ( ) Fight disease ( )
A Protein s Shape Meets its Function The shape of a protein is what determines its specific function because most proteins recognize and bind to some other molecule in order to function. 4 levels of protein structure: : The sequence of the amino acids : local patterns of folding Alpha helix Beta sheet : overall three dimensional shape of a polypeptide : when proteins consist of two or more polypeptide chains, or subunits quaternary structure results from how the subunits fit together.