1. What are the building blocks of organisms? Why do we have to eat?
Chemistry of Life
What are the building
blocks of organisms? Why do we have to eat?

2. An atom is a unit of matter; the smallest unit of a chemical element.
Atoms & Molecules
An atom is a unit of matter; the smallest unit of a chemical element.

3. Atoms & Molecules
Elements – a substance that can not be broken down into simpler substances by chemical means
96% of living organisms is made of:
carbon (C)
oxygen (O)
hydrogen (H)
nitrogen (N)

4. Atoms & Molecules
A molecule is a group of atoms that are held together by chemical bonds.

5. What are some of the main molecules (compounds) that make us up?
Examples of molecules in living things are:
Water H2O
Carbohydrates (Lots of different kinds)
Proteins (1000’s of different kinds)
Fats (lots of different kinds)
Nucleic acids

6. Carbohydrates Basic units: sugars
Provide energy and structural support
Fiber is a carbohydrate that prevents constipation
Foods: breads, cereals, vegetables, fruits, & seeds
Extra glucose is converted into glycogen in the liver
Glucose

7. Nucleic Acids Atoms: C, H, O, N, P
Basic units: nucleotides composed of 
Sugar
Phosphate group
Base: cytosine, guanine, adenime, thymine, uracil
There are two types:
DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)
RNA (ribonucleic acid)
Function: DNA directs & controls all activities of all cells in an organism – RNA helps

8. DNA –DeoxyriboNucleic Acid
DNA is the hereditary material passed on from parents to offspring
Structure: double-stranded
Phosphate group
Sugar  deoxyribose
Bases 
Cytosine – Guanine
Adenine – Thymine

9. Proteins Atoms: C, H, O, N, P, S Basic units: amino acids (20)
Provide energy & structure, repairs body tissues
Some are called hormones, enzymes, neurotransmitters, etc.
Foods high in protein: meat, eggs, poultry, milk & milk products, nuts, dried beans, peas, & lentils

10. Lipids/Fats Basic units: fatty acids
Functions: provides energy & structure, cushions the body, and prevents heat loss
Found in butter, margarine, candy
Do not mix with water

11. Phospholipids Functions: form cell membranes
made of fatty acid molecules that consist two distinct regions:
a long hydrophobic hydrocarbon chain – water fearing
a hydrophilic head – water
loving

12. Water
Osmosis – the process by which water moves into or out of cells. Osmosis depends on the concentration of water inside and outside of the cell.

13. Water