Organic Compounds
Essential Standard
Bio.4.1 Understanding how biological molecules are essential to the
survival of living organisms.
Organic Compounds
• Organic Molecules – contain carbon atoms covalently bonded to
carbon atoms
• Carbon-based life form
• 1 carbon can form up to 4 covalent bonds
• Large Carbon Molecules
• Monomers – smaller, simpler molecule; ”one part”
• Polymers – consists of repeated, linked monomers; “many parts”
• Macromolecules – larger, complex polymers
• Carbohydrates, Proteins, Lipids, and Nucleic Acids
1. Carbohydrates
• Structure = C, H, O in 1:2:1 ratio
• Monomer = sugar or monosaccharides (glucose)
• Polymer = disaccharides (sucrose) and polysaccharides (starch)
• Function = energy usage (quick energy), building materials (cell wall)
• Food Source:
• Simple = sweets, candy, soda, fruits, etc.
• Complex = pasta, potato, bread, etc.
• Indicator Test:
• Simple = benedicts – blue to red
• Complex = iodine – yellow to black
2. Proteins
• Structure = consists of NCHOPS
• Monomer = amino acids
• 20 common amino acids
• Polymer = polypeptide (chain of amino acids)
• Function = growth and repair, enzymatic activity, cell structure
• Shape determines function!
• Food Source = meat, fish, nuts, eggs, grains, soy products
• Indicator Test = Biuret Solution – blue to purple
2. Proteins
• Enzymes – act as catalysts (essential for function of any cell)
• Speeds up chemical reactions by reducing amount of activation energy
needed
• Enzyme reactions depend on physical fit between enzyme and its
substrate – lock-and-key model
3. Lipids
• Structure = Nonpolar, hydrocarbon chain
• Monomer = fatty acids
• Saturated vs Unsaturated
• Polymer = fats
• Triglyceride, phospholipids, steroids, waxes
• Function = energy storage, structure component of cell membranes
• Food Source = meat, fish, eggs, oil, nuts, avocado, etc.
• Indicator Test = paper bag
4. Nucleic Acids
• Structure = sugar, phosphate, and nitrogen bases
• Monomer = nucleotide
• Polymer = DNA, RNA, ATP
• Function = stores and expresses genetic information
• Food Source = minerals and vitamins
• Indicator Test = none