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Objectives: Make a chart that identifies

different organic molecules, their

subunits, and function

Organic Compounds = compounds containing carbon.

Organic compounds are made up mainly of 4 different elements:

1) Carbon2) Nitrogen3) Oxygen4) Hydrogen

Organic molecules all have a lot of carbon and hydrogen in there structure. How they differ is in the functional groups attached to the hydrocarbon molecule.

For example: Add a carboxyl group (COOH) to a an organic molecule, an acid is created.

Or…

Add a hydroxyl(OH) group to the organic molecule and the result will be an alcohol.

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Chains of Carbon

Four classes of Organic Compounds

Carbohydrates

•made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in ratios of

1:2:1

•key source of energy found in most foods.

Subunit = Monosaccharide

Monosaccharide Example: Glucose

Chain = polysaccharide

Polysaccharide example = Starch (made up of a

chain of 3 or more monosaccharide)

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1.Lipids•Nonpolar molecules•Lipids or fats are a good source of energy and make up cell membranes.•Examples: fats, phospholipids, and steroids.•Subunit = fatty Acid•Chain = Fat

Proteins

•Subunit = Amino Acid

•Chain = Protein

•Different functions:

- Enzymes: proteins that promote chemical reactions.

- Structural proteins: example is collagen

- Antibodies: Proteins that help fight infection.

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Protein Structure (a series of folds):

1) Primary Structure: the order of amino acids bonded to eachother forming a peptide chain.

2)Secondary Structure: 3-D folded shape of the protein due to hydrogen bonding. Two general patterns are formed:

1) Spiral-like alpha helixes.

2)Beta pleated sheets.

3) Tertiary Structure: Hydrophobic and hydrophilic forces fold the protein again.

4) Quarternary Structure: a protein folded with other proteins. The net result is a globular protein.

Proteins can be unfolded with heat or exposure to chemicals. This is called denaturing.

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Nucleic Acids

Subunit: Nucleotide

Chain: Nucleic Acid

Examples: DNA and RNA