Chemical Compounds in Living Things

Biology- Organic Chemistry

Objectives Identify the five most abundant

elements in living things. Compare organic and inorganic

compounds. Describe the properties that make

carbon unique.

Structure of the Atom

Proton p+

Electron e-

Neutron n0

(Nucleus- p+ and n0)

Chemical Compounds in Living Things

The elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and phosphorus (HONCP) make up practically all the chemical compounds in living things.

CHOPKINS CaFe has Mg & NaCl (salt) Two groups of compounds

»organic (contain carbon) biotic

» inorganic (everything else) abiotic

Water

Human Body–Mostly water (2/3-3/4)

H2O

–Why: Water carries nutrients, oxygen,carbon dioxide,waste through body in solution.

Carbon

Organic–living

Use: Covalent bond with other carbons to form many types of structures.

Carbohydrates Examples

– Sugars– Starch– Glycogen– Cellulose– Composed of:

C:H:O 1:2:1 ratio

Use: for energy

Lipids Examples

– Fat– Wax – Oil– Composed of:

C:H:O-but less O than carbohydrates

– Use: Insulation (warmth), energy storage, makes up cell membrane.

Proteins Examples

– Meat– Dairy (milk, cheese, eggs, nuts)– Composed of:

C:H:O:N Use: muscle contraction, transport

oxygen, provides immunity, carry out chemical reactions (enzymes and hormones).

Nucleic Acids Examples

–DNA–RNA–Composed of:–H:O:N:C+Phosphorus

DNA use: carry out genetic code RNA use: instruct the cell to

make proteins.