Life Chemistry

Inorganic vs Organic Inorganic compounds, such as oxygen (O2), water (H2O), and ammonia (NH3), normally do not contain carbon. (There are some exceptions such as carbon dioxide (CO2)).

Inorganic vs Organic Organic compounds such as glucose (C6H12O6) and methane (CH4) have other atoms attached to a carbon atom.

The Chemistry of Carbon Carbon has an atomic number of 6. That means that it has 6 protons and 6 electrons (because atoms are neutral – remember?) Fill in the electron valence shells for the carbon atom in your notes.

Three reasons why… Carbon can bond with up to 4 other atoms. When carbon bonds with itself, it forms long chains and rings (macromolecules).

Three reasons why… S (Sulfur) C (Carbon) H (Hydrogen) N (Nitrogen) 3. Carbon also bonds to: S (Sulfur) C (Carbon) H (Hydrogen) N (Nitrogen) O (Oxygen) P (Phosphorus) (SCHNOP)

Macromolecules Macromolecules are large organic molecules. The building blocks of these large molecules are called monomers (single units). Monomers link together by forming covalent bonds. The larger molecules are called polymers (many units).

Types of Organic Compounds (Macromolecules) Carbohydrates Lipids Nucleic Acids Proteins

Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are made from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen in a 1:2:1 ratio. They are carbon combined with hydrate (water) C1 H2O1

Carbohydrates The monomer for carbohydrates is the monosaccharide: (Mono – single; saccharide – sugar). Monosaccharides often taste sweet. Examples include: glucose and fructose.

Carbohydrates Carbohydrate polymers are called polysaccharides. (Poly – many; saccharide – sugar). Polysaccharides have a starchy taste. Examples include: Disaccharides – sucrose Starches Cellulose – structural material in plants Monosaccharide

Carbohydrates The function of carbohydrates include: Primary energy source for organisms Structural material in plants and insects.

Lipids AKA Fats Lipids are made from carbon, oxygen, hydrogen atoms arranged in long chains. Lipids are not soluble in water.

Lipids The monomer for lipids is the fatty acid. Polymers of fatty acid molecules are called lipids. Examples include: fats, oils, waxes, and steroids.

Lipids The functions of lipids in the body are: As long term energy storage For insulation For cell membrane structure

Nucleic Acids Nucleic acids contain hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. There are two types of nucleic acids: DNA-Deoxyribonucleic Acid. RNA- Ribonucleic Acid

Nucleic Acids The monomer for nucleic acids is the nucleotide. DRAW THIS! The monomer for nucleic acids is the nucleotide. A nucleotide is made of three parts: 1. a sugar 2. a nitrogen base 3. a phosphate group

Nucleic Acids Nucleotide monomers combine to form polymers called nucleic acids.

Nucleic Acids The function of nucleic acids is to 1. Store genetic information 2. To control cell activities by directing protein synthesis.

Proteins Protein molecules contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur.

Proteins Protein monomers are called amino acids; there are 20 of them.

Proteins Amino acids form polymers known as polypeptides. DNA tells the cell how to put the 20 different amino acids together; making endless numbers of proteins.

Proteins Proteins have different shapes. The arrangement of the amino acids determines the shape of the protein. The shape of the protein determines the function of the protein. http://youtu.be/lijQ3a8yUYQ

Proteins The function of proteins include: Structural – hair, nails Transport – hemoglobin Movement – muscle fibers and cytoskeletons Defense – antibodies A biological catalyst- enzymes

A Special Kind of Protein – The ENZYME! Activation energy w/out enzyme Activation energy w/ enzyme Enzymes are biological catalysts Catalyst speed up chemical reactions in living things. Enzymes require homeostasis because they only work with specific temperatures and pH. Reactants Products

The Lock and Key Model Enzymes work like a “lock and key” model. Each enzyme (the lock) has one specific substrate (the key) that it reacts with.

The Lock and Key Model 1st – the substrate attaches to the enzyme at the “active site”. 2nd – the enzyme forces the reaction to occur. 3rd – the new products are released and the enzyme is ready to work again. http://youtu.be/CZD5xsOKres

Enzymes and Chemical Reactions Enzymes reduce the amount of energy needed to start the chemical reaction; allowing them to occur faster. Organisms would not be able to live without enzymes.