What Compounds Do Cells Need?

Carbohydrates – Organic Molecule Made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Short term energy storage – body uses first Makes up cell wall and cell membrane Fruits, breads, pasta, rice, potatoes, candy, and cookies Examples: starches - large sugar molecules that store excess energy glucose (sugar) – body breaks down starches into glucose when eaten; cells use to get energy cellulose – found in cell walls of plants

Proteins – Organic Molecule Made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen Makes up many cell structures (cell membrane and parts of the organelles) Responsible for many cell functions Enzymes – a group of proteins that speed up chemical reactions Meat, dairy products, fish, nuts, and beans Examples: Amylase – an enzyme in saliva that speeds up the digestion of starch Keratin – provides structural support; found in hair, nails, horns, feathers

Lipids – Organic Molecule Made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Long term energy storage – body uses last Makes up most of the cell membrane Fats, oils, and waxes Whole milk, ice cream, and fried foods Examples: Cholesterol – found in your blood Phosopholipids – make up cell membrane

Nucleic Acids – Organic Molecule Made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, protein, and nitrogen Contain the instructions that cells need to carry out all the functions of life Red meat, shellfish, mushrooms, and peas Examples: DNA – genetic material that carries information about an organism; directs cell functions; found in the cell’s nucleus RNA – makes proteins

Water – Inorganic Molecule Made of hydrogen and oxygen Used for many chemical reactions in the cell Helps cells keep their shape Regulates cell temperature Carries substances into and out of cells About 2/3 of the human body is made of water