Organic compounds Lipids, Carbohydrates, Proteins, and Nucleic Acids
Essential for life Organic compounds: Contain carbon Most are covalently bonded Example: C 6 H 12 O 6 (Glucose) Inorganic Compounds: Lack carbon Tend to be simpler compounds Example: H 2 O (Water)
Why is carbon special? Carbon has special bonding properties due to its ability to make 4 covalent bonds with itself and other elements Can form single, double, and triple bonds Can form chain and/or ring structures This leads to a huge diversity in organic molecules Over 4 million organic compounds exist 6 c 12.01 Carbon
Carbon bonds
Large organic molecules Monomers: Small, single units, or molecules that can bond together Polymer: Many monomers bonded together Forms a macromolecule
Inorganic - water Most abundant INORGANIC compound Vital properties: High heat capacity Polarity / solvent properties Chemical reactivity Cushioning
Inorganic - Salts Easily splits (dissociate) into ions in the presence of water Vital to many body functions Includes electrolytes Conduct electrical currents
Acids & bases Acids: Can release detectable hydrogen ions Bases: Proton acceptors Neutralization reaction: Acids and bases react to form water and a salt
Ph scale Measures relative concentrations of hydrogen ions ph 7 = neutral ph below 7 = acid ph above 7 = base Buffers: Chemicals that can regulate ph change
Organic compounds Energy stored in organic molecules determines its caloric value Proteins, carbs, and fates are 3 organic compounds with different structures and different caloric values based on their structures
Discussion! Which foods contain carbohydrates? Distinguish between good carbs (healthy) and bad carbs (unhealthy) Answer: Good: fruits, veggies, whole grains (rice, bread pasta) Bad: soda, sugary cereals, candy, cookies, crackers
carbohydrates Composed of: Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in ring shapes Function of a carb is to provide energy and structure for cells Includes sugars and starches Classified according to size: Monosaccharide simple sugar Disaccharide two simple sugars joined together Polysaccharide long branching chains of linked simple sugars
carbohydrate
Carbohydrates Main sources of energy for the cell If not used for energy, they are stored in the cells Digestion breaks bond between large carbohydrates so simple sugars can be absorbed into the blood stream through the walls of the intestines Bloodstream carries simple sugars throughout body Simple sugars used as fuel, releasing energy, stored as ATP Caloric value: 4 calories per gram
Lipids Contain carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Have more Carbon-Hydrogen bonds than carbs This means more energy! Carbon and hydrogen outnumber oxygen Insoluble in water i.e. doesn t dissolve Main function: energy storage Monomers of lipids: Glycerols Fatty Acids
lipids Important for energy when carbs are scarce Functions: Long term energy storage Cushioning of vital organs Insulation for the body Major component of cell membranes Necessary for vitamin and hormone production Caloric Value: 9 calories per gram
lipids
lipids
Fats Saturated Fats: Solid at room temperature Derived mostly from animals Raise levels of Bad Cholesterol (LDL) Can clog arteries Examples: Butter, Lard, Cheese Unsaturated Fats: Liquid at room temp Derived mostly from plants Raise level of Good Cholesterol (HDL) Examples: Olive oil, Avocado, Nuts
Proteins Made of amino acids Contain carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and sulfur (sometimes!) Account for over HALF of the body s organic matter Provides for construction materials for body tissues Plays vital role in cell function Act as enzymes, hormones, and antibodies
Types & Functions of Proteins 1. Structural: Provide support and strength Examples: Keratin in hair, fur, horns, and claws 2. Binding: Attach to and transport substances throughout the body Example: Hemoglobin binds oxygen in blood 3. Defense: Helps the immune system defend against foreign substances in the body Examples: Antibodies on the surface of WBCs
Types & Functions of Proteins 4. Movement: Responsible for muscle contraction Example: Actin & myosin fibers in muscle 5. Signaling: Maintains communication between cells Example: Hormones (insulin, endorphins) and Neurotransmitters 6. Chemical Reactions: Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts for reactions Example: Digestive enzymes like lipase
Nucleic Acids Make up genes The blueprint for life (we will get to genes in a few units!) Direct growth and development Dictate protein structure Composed of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus Largest biological molecules in the body
Nucleotide Structure Building blocks: Nucleotides Consists of 3 parts: 1. Sugar (either ribose or deoxyribose) 2. Phosphate 3. Nitrogen base 5 bases are A, T, G, C, and U DNA and RNA