Biological Molecules

Six Most Common Elements of Living Things Carbon Hydrogen Nitrogen Oxygen Phosphorous Sulfur

A.K.A – Organic Compounds Biological Molecules A.K.A – Organic Compounds Organic – Containing Carbon Inorganic – Not containing Carbon Ex: Ca, NaCl, Mg 4 Classes of Biological Molecules Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Carbon is King Carbon is the main component of biological molecules Carbon can form 4 bonds with other atoms Carbon can form double and triple bonds The more bonds that exist between 2 atoms, the stronger the bond is…..therefore, the stronger the molecule.

Biomolecules Definitions Monomer: A single subunit of a polymer Polymer: A compound made of many monomers bonded together Macromolecule: A large complex molecule *A polymer is a macromolecule

Carbohydrates Structure Contain the elements Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H) and Oxygen (O) The ratio is 1:2:1. Example C6H12O6 C6H12O6 – carbohydrate monomer monosaccharide, glucose, simple sugar sugar names end in -ose Monosaccharides as polymers are disaccharides or polysaccharides

Carbohydrate Formation Carbohydrates are created by the joining of glucose molecules by glycosidic bonds. Condensation reaction (dehydration synthesis)

Carbohydrates Function Examples Carbohydrates are a key source of energy in cells Form structural components in cells and tissues Examples Glycogen - Energy storage molecule in animal cells Starch - Energy storage molecule in plant cells Cellulose – component of cell walls in plant cells cannot be digested by humans

Lipids A fat E Structure 3 Fatty Acids Glycerol backbone Contains the elements carbon, hydrogen and oxygen

Lipid Examples and Their Functions Lipids are nonpolar (balanced charges) molecules They are insoluble in water Lipids vary in examples and their functions Fats – for long term energy storage and insulation Phospholipids – components of cell membranes Waxes – protection and insulation Steroids – cholesterol (structural) and hormones (varied functions)

Lipids - Fats Fats is an example of a lipid that can be found in food Saturated Fats: Have no double bonds in the fatty acid tails. All carbons are “saturated” with hydrogen. Solid at room temperature Ex: butter, cream, cheese, fatty meats, lard Unsaturated Fats: Have one or more double bonds in the fatty acid tails. Carbons are unsaturated with hydrogen Liquid at room temperature Ex: oils

Proteins Structure Polymer of amino acids subunits Contains the elements Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Sulfur Polymer of amino acids subunits 20 amino acids (similar structure, but different “R” group) Proteins are often referred to as polypeptides

Protein Formation Proteins are created by the joining of amino acids by peptide bonds. Condensation reaction (dehydration synthesis)

Protein Structure Folding of protein determines the shape – 4 levels Order of amino acids determines the type and function of the protein Folding of protein determines the shape – 4 levels

Proteins: Examples and Functions Keratin – structural component of outer layer or skin (epidermis), hair and nails Collagen – in connective tissue found in tendons, ligaments, skin, cornea, cartilage, bone, blood vessels and the intestines Antibodies – proteins that identify and neutralize foreign objects such as bacteria and viruses Hemoglobin – protein that carries oxygen in red blood cells Actin and Myosin – proteins involved in muscle contraction Enzymes – proteins that catalyze (speed up) chemical reactions

Nucleic Acids Structure Contains the elements Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen and Phosphorous A polymer of nucleotides Five nitrogenous bases Adenine (A) Thymine (T) Guanine (G) Cytosine (C) Uracil (U) **Order of the bases determines the sequence of nucleic acid

Nucleic Acids - Examples Two Types DNA – stores genetic information A,T, C, G RNA – assists in translation of genetic information from DNA to protein A, U, G, C

Nucleic Acid Formation Nucleic acids are created by the joining of nucleotides by phosphodiester bonds. Condensation reaction (dehydration synthesis)