The Building Blocks of LifeSection 6.4

I. Organic Chemistry

A. Carbon is a component of almost all biological molecules

1. Has 4 electrons in outermost energy level

2. Can form 4 covalent bonds

3. Shape: straight chains, branched chains and rings

II. Macromolecules

A. Macromolecules

1. Macro= large

2. Large molecules formed by joining smaller organic molecules together

B.Polymers

1. Poly= many

2. Meros= part

3. Molecules made from repeating units of identical or nearly identical compounds

4. Linked together by a series of covalent bonds

III. Types of macromolecules

A. Carbohydrates

1. Store energy

2. Provide structural support

3. Examples: glucose (mono) and sucrose (di)

III. Types of macromolecules

B. Proteins

1. Transport substances

2. Speed reactions

3. Provide structural support

4. Make hormones

5. Example: Keratin and collagen

III. Types of macromolecules

C. Lipids

1. Fats

2. Store energy

3. Provide barriers

4. Examples: oils, waxes, phospholipids

III. Types of macromolecules

D. Nucleic acids

1. Store and communicate genetic information

2. Example: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

1. Which element do almost all biological molecules contain?

2. What type of biological molecule is an enzyme?

3. What are fats, oils, and waxes composed of?

4 What biological molecule transports substances between cells?.

3. What are fats, oils, and waxes composed of?

4 What biological molecule transports substances between cells?.

Answers:

1. Carbon

2. Protein

3. Lipids

4. proteins