Molecules of life

• 4 main molecules of life– Carbohydrates– Proteins– Lipids– Nucleic acids

Organic CompoundsBuilding Blocks

monomerMacromolecule

polymer monosaccharide or simple sugar Polysaccharides or carbohydrate

Fatty acids Fats and Lipids

Amino Acids Proteins

Nucleotides Nucleic Acids

carbohydrates• Most abundant organic compound• Contains oxygen, hydrogen & carbon

– 1:2:1 ratio

• Some functions– Energy source

• Both quick and storage

– Support & structure• Plants- cellulose• Insects-chitin- exoskeleton

3 basic types of carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides– Simple sugars

• 5 or 6 carbons• Examples- glucose & fructose

• Disaccharides– Two sugars joined together

• Fructose + glucose= sucrose (table sugar)

• Polysaccharides– Many simple sugars joined together

• Starch- energy storage plants• Glycogen- energy storage animals• Cellulose- structural support plants

Proteins• Made of

– Carbon – Hydrogen– Oxygen– Nitrogen– (2 amino acids contain

sulfur)

• Formed by chains of amino acids – 20 different amino acids

• Organic Compound• Essential to all life• Important uses

– Structure– enzymes

Lipids• Large molecules• Nonpolar organic molecules• Functions

– Good insulators

– energy storage (tightly compact)– Oils and waxes– Steroids and hormones

Lipids• Fatty acids

– Unbranched carbon chains

– hydrophilic end & hydrophobic end

• Hydrophilic– Polar

– Water loving

• Hydrophobic– Non polar

– Water fearing

Nucleic Acids• Complex macromolecule that stores

information in cells heredity • Nucleic acids are polymers made of

smaller subunits called nucleotides– carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and

phosphorous

• Two types– RNA and DNA

Nucleotides consist of Phosphate groups Pentose sugar Nitrogenous bases