The Chemistry of Life Organic Compounds Inorganic Compound Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids ATP Inorganic Compound Water

The Basics All living things are composed of cells, but what are cells made of? Everything, living & nonliving, is made up of atoms. A single type of atom is called an element. An element cannot be separated by ordinary chemical means into simpler substances. A combination of different types of atoms is called a molecule or compound Molecules containing carbon & found in living things are called organic compounds.

Periodic Table of Elements

Organic Compounds Carbohydrates Composed of the elements Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen (O) Hydrogen & Oxygen are found in a specific ratio Ex. (sugar/glucose) - C6H12O6 Reduces to CH2O Name literally means ‘hydrated carbon’ = (Carbon + Water)

Organic Compounds Used for energy in living things Sugars, like glucose are considered “simple” carbohydrates. Starches are considered “complex” carbohydrates.

Organic Compounds Lipids Composed of C, H, & O Cannot mix with water Fats in animals. Oils in plants. Used for energy, biological membranes, and chemical messengers Cells are surrounded by a special lipid called a phospholipid

Organic Compounds Lipid molecule

Organic Compounds Proteins Composed of C, H, O, and Nitrogen (N) Chains of amino acids link together to build protein Help carry out chemical reactions and allow cells to move Form structures like hair, fingernails, and feathers Most enzymes Lower the energy needed to carry out reactions in the body

Organic Compounds Protein example: hemoglobin

Organic Compounds Nucleic Acids Composed of C, H, O, N, and Phosphorous (P) Chains of nucleotides link together to form Store and transmit genetic information = all the directions for all of the cells’ processes 2 kinds DNA – the “blueprints” of life RNA

Organic Compounds ATP (adenosine triphosphate) Composed of C, H, O, N, and P The energy used in the cell The stored energy found in carbohydrates, lipids, and proteins are transferred to ATP before the cell can use it.

Inorganic Compound Water Composed of H and O: H2O Most abundant chemical in living things Required for almost every chemical process that takes place in a living cell.