Chemical Compounds in Living Things Organic Chemistry

Water The Human Body is mostly water. Approximately 2/3-3/4 of the human body by weight is water. Water carries nutrients, oxygen, carbon dioxide and waste products through the body in solution.

Carbon Organic Basis of Life The chemical property of carbon to bond covalently with other carbons form many types of structures.

Carbohydrates Examples –Sugars –Starch –Glycogen –Cellulose –Composed of: C:H:O in a 1:2:1 ratio Use: For Energy!

Carbohydrates Provides most of body’s needed energy. Monosaccharides: simple sugars - form a ring structure of 5, 6, or 7 carbons an also contain an oxygen and a hydroxyl group Disaccharides: glucose, fructose and ribose Polysaccharides: starches - can be branched or unbranched chains.

Structure of Carbohydrates

Lipids Examples –Fat –Wax –Oil –Composed of: C:H:O-but less O than carbohydrates Use: Insulation (warmth), energy storage, makes up cell membrane and protects organs.

Structure of Lipids

Proteins Examples –Meat –Dairy (milk, cheese, eggs, nuts) –Composed of: C:H:O:N Use: muscle contraction, transport oxygen, provides immunity, carry out chemical reactions (enzymes and hormones).

Nucleic Acids Examples –DNA –RNA –Composed of: –H:O:N:C+Phosphorus DNA use: carry out genetic code RNA use: instruct the cell to make proteins.