1. Molecules for Life Unit 2 – Lesson 4
Molecules are the building blocks of LIFE!

2. Combinations of Atoms Carbon Oxygen Hydrogen
When atoms of more than one element combine, they form a compound.
Carbon
Oxygen
Hydrogen

3. Compounds
Think of two elements that LOVE eachother… H2 O

4. Types of Molecules
Molecules are elements that are bonded together. There are two types of molecules.
Organic Molecules – living or once living
Inorganic Molecules – nonliving

5. Types of Molecules
Remember the elements carbon and hydrogen? Well, when these elements are found together, they make an ORGANIC molecule.
Organic = C + H together
Inorganic = no C + H together
SO, everything that is
LIVING (like this baby)
is ORGANIC,
it contains C and H.

6. Organic or Inorganic?
HCl
H2O
C6H12O6
CO2
C3H7NO3

7. Inorganic Molecules
There are millions of inorganic molecules, but there are only a few you MUST know
H2O = • CO2 =
O2 = • NH3 =
water
carbon dioxide
oxygen
ammonia

8. Protein, Carbs, and Fats are our nutrition!
Organic Molecules
There are 4 types of organic molecules.
Meaning, EVERYTHING that is living is made up of a mixture of these 4 substances.
Proteins
Carbohydrates (Sugars)
Lipids (Fats)
Nucleic Acids (DNA)
You are what you eat!
Protein, Carbs, and Fats are our nutrition!

9. Organic Molecules
Organisms either consume or produce their nutrition. The organic molecules need to be broken down so they can be used for various needs.
Complex Molecules:
Proteins
Carbs
Lipids
Simple Units:
Amino Acids
Simple Sugars
Fatty Acids

10. What kinds of protein do we eat?
Proteins
The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.
Proteins are important for many reasons.
Enzymes – chemical reactions
Body growth and repair
What kinds of protein do we eat?

11. What kinds of carbs do we eat?
Carbohydrates
The building blocks of carbohydrates are simple sugars.
C6H12O6 is sugar. Because of sugars structure, it is represented as in science.
Carbohydrates provide:
Energy
What kinds of carbs do we eat?

12. What kinds of fat do we eat?
Lipids
The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids.
Lipids are important because they:
Provide stored energy
Make up the cell membrane
What kinds of fat do we eat?

13. Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids make up the organisms heredity. It is the DNA, or the genetic code for all living things.
Yes, every living organism from a bacterium to a whale has DNA.