The Chemistry of LifeThe Chemistry of Life(Part II)(Part II)

Presented By:Mrs. Nelson

Chemistry of CarbonChemistry of Carbon

Can form four bonds.

Basis of “organic compounds.”

Compounds that contain carbon

Which is organic?

““Organic Compounds” All living things are composed of

four types of organic compounds.1. Carbohydrates2. Lipids3. Proteins4. Nucleic Acids

* Each organic molecule is made of different “subunits.”

What are carbohydrates?

Subunit = sugarSugars are made

of C,H, and O in a 1:2:1 ratio.

The more “C’s,” the more energy in the sugar.

3 Kinds of 3 Kinds of Carbohydrates

Simple Sugars 1) Monosaccharides – “single

sugar”ex) Glucose and fructose

2)Disaccharides- “double sugar”ex) sucrose

-Both are a short term energy source

3 Kinds of Carbohydrates (cont.)Complex sugars3) Polysaccharides

- long chains of three or more sugars-“Long term” energy storage.- Ex.) Starch (potatoes, corn, wheat,

rice) Cellulose (found in plant cell

walls)

“Lipids”Elements C,H, ONot soluble in

water.Subunit = fatty

acid and glycerol.

Fats, oils, waxes.

Types of Lipids

Saturated- solid at room temperature

ex) butter, fat on meatUnsaturated- liquid room

temperature ex) cooking oil Diets high in saturated fats lead to

heart disease

glycerolFatty acid chain

Double bonds!

“Importance of Lipids”

Long term energy storage. Contain much more energy than carbs.

Major component of cell membranes.Sex hormones.

Proteins Contain C, H, O, and

N. Subunit- amino acid Two types of

proteins Food proteins vs. cell

proteins1) Hemoglobin-blood2) Collagen-skin

Function of Proteins There are many different functions of proteins.1. Structural component of organisms.

- Collagen: Gives strength to skin.- Keratin: Composes hair and nails.- Hemoglobin: Found in blood.

2. Act as Enzymes.- Catalysts that speed up reactions in the body.Ex.) Amylase – found in saliva. Helps break down food in the mouth.

Nucleic Acids Contain C, H, O,

N, and PTwo types: DNA,

RNASubunit-

NucleotideFunction- genetic

information