C HEMICALS OF L IFE p
E LEMENTS AND COMPOUNDS Elements Any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances (ex. Carbon, Oxygen) Compounds Two or more elements chemically combine Ex. CO 2
W ATER !!! Two hydrogen and one oxygen atom H 2 O Water makes up 2/3 of your body Dissolves chemicals that cells need Most chemical reactions could not take place without water Helps cells keep their shape and size Helps regulate cell temperature
O RGANIC VS. INORGANIC Carbon is the key. When a compound contains CARBON, it is ORGANIC. If a compound does not contain CARBON, it is INORGANIC
C ARBOHYDRATES Energy rich compound made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (provides quick energy) Ex. Sugars and starches are carbohydrates Pasta, rice, bread, fruit Uses: Cellulose is found in cell walls of plants Cell membranes Organic or Inorganic?
L IPIDS Energy rich compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Have more energy than carbohydrates Cells store energy for use later Ex. Hibernating bear Also, makes up part of cell membrane, protects/cushions/insulates Examples: Fats, oils, waxes Organic or Inorganic?
PROTEINS Large molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen Foods that are high in protein: Meat, eggs, fish, nuts, and beans Structure: Amino acids! Proteins are made of amino acids 20 common amino acids can combine/link together to make thousands of different proteins Letters of the alphabet Function: Proteins form parts of cell membranes and many organelles inside (parts inside the cell), provide energy and build tissue Enzymes (types of proteins) : help to speed up chemical reactions Without enzymes many chemical reactions would take too long Organic or Inorganic?
N UCLEIC ACIDS Made of carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, and phosphorus Two types: DNA: deoxyribonucleic acids Carries the genetic information that is passed from parent to offspring Found only in the nucleus RNA: ribonucleic acids Plays an important role in production of proteins Found in the cytoplasm and the nucleus Organic or Inorganic?