An Introduction to Biological Compounds

An Introduction to Biological CompoundsChapter 2-3

What is the difference between the terms organic and inorganic?Inorganic substances that make up the bulk of the physical non-living universeno carbon chainsno carbon/hydrogen bondsExamples water, minerals, oxygen, CO2Organic substances found in living or once living matterusually contain at least 2 carbon atoms in a chain and/or carbon/hydrogen bondsExamples Proteins, Carbohydrates (sugars), Lipids (fats), and Nucleic Acids (DNA)

Carbon is the perfect backbone element for all organic compoundsWhy?Each carbon atom can form four covalent bonds, and carbon atoms can bond with other carbon atoms.

Polymers are macromolecules

Starch - Monomers and Polymers

Protein (polymer)
Amino Acids (monomer)

What is the role of water in the synthesis and decomposition of a polymer?Dehydration Synthesis a molecule of water is lost when a polymer is constructed. Water is lost when macromolecules are made

Hydrolysis water must be added to decompose a polymer