Download Organic Molecules - Mr. Swords` Classes

Also called Biomolecules or Organic Molecules
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Most “life” molecules have a backbone of
carbon.
Carbon can form 4 bonds so many atoms can
bond and branch off.
Many molecules are composed mostly of
carbon & hydrogen = Hydrocarbons
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Biomolecules may be made of hundreds to
millions of atoms!
Large molecules are built from smaller,
repeating units.
Monomer =
Small molecular
units that make up a
polymer.
Polymer = Long chains of
monomers.
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Classified into four main groups
 Carbohydrates
 Lipids
 Proteins
 Nucleic
Acids
STRUCTURE:
-Made of: Monosaccharides
These are simple sugars.
-When you put monosaccharides together,
you get: Polysaccharide
- A key source of energy for the body.
-They turn into energy for all cells.
Examples of Carbohydrates:
 Starch – stored energy in plants
 Glycogen – stored energy in animals
 Cellulose – structural support in plants
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Monomers: Glycerol & Fatty Acids
Polymers: Fat
Energy Storage
Hydrophobic:
◦ “Water Fearing”
◦ Saturated Fat – all fatty acid chains contain
max of hydrogen atoms (all single bonds).
◦ Solid at room
temperature.
◦ Contribute to
an unhealthy
diet.
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Unsaturated Fats – contain less than the
maximum number of hydrogen atoms in the
fatty acid chains.
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Liquid at room temp.
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Healthier choice.
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Carbon skeleton forms four fused rings.
Chemical Message
Example:
◦ Testosterone
(male hormone)
◦ Estrogen
(female hormone)
◦ Cholesterol
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Monomer: Amino Acid
Polymer: Polypeptide
Examples & Uses:
◦ Body Structures: Hair, Fur, Nails, Muscle.
◦ Long Term Nutrient Storage.
◦ Body Defense – Receptors on Cells
◦ Control Chemical Reactions
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Watch enzyme animations:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XTUm75-PL4&feature=related
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Used to speed up chemical reactions in a cell.
(lowers the amount of energy needed)
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End in “ase”
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Protease breaks down proteins
Lipase breaks down fats
Enzymes are catalysts:
Speeds up reaction, can be used over and over
again. The reaction does not change it (like a
key!)
Acts on a substrate:
The substance that is changed during the
reaction.
 An
enzyme lowers the energy needed so that
the reaction can work at normal cell
temperatures
How an Enzyme Works:
 Shape of an enzyme only fits particular
molecules (substrate)
 Active site → where the substrate fits
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Proteins are made of chains of amino acids twisted,
folded and coiled into a unique shape.
Analogy:
◦ Yarn = string of amino acids
◦ Sweater= protein with a purpose!
The “folds” determine the function.
Denaturation: When proteins
are affected and lose their shape.
Ex: Frying an Egg