Building Blocks of Cells CH 3 Biomolecules Building Blocks of Cells Biomolecules Made up of carbon Referred to as organic Carbon atoms form covalent bonds with other atoms to form complex chains. 4 classes of organic compounds; carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids

Carbohydrates Made of sugars Contains carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms (1:2:1) Monosaccharide (CH2O)n Used for sources of energy, structural materials, and cellular identification Examples; chitin, cellulose, fructose, glucose

Lipids Includes fats, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes Are used for storing energy and water barrier Waxes, surfaces of plants and aquatic bird feathers

Proteins Chains of amino acids that twist and fold into certain shapes that determine what the proteins do May be involved in; structure, support, movement, communication, transportation, and carrying out chemical reactions. Pg 57 function of an enzyme

Nucleic Acids Long chain of nucleotide units A nucleotide is made up of three parts: a sugar, a base, and a phosphate group. Nucleic acids store and transmit hereditary information. Deoxyribonucleic acid, or DNA, and ribonucleic acid, or RNA.