Download The Molecules of Life

The Molecules of Life
There are four main compounds that create
and support life called macromolecules:
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates
Lipids
These are fats.
They are an important
component of cell membranes
and make up many steroids and
other signaling compounds in
the body.
Protein
These are long chains of
amino acids add together to
make the structures of the
body. They are also enzymes
that allow chemical reactions
happen.
Nucleic Acids
DNA and RNA. They store
genetic information. More
on them later.
Carbohydrates
Sugars
They are the fuel the body uses to
sustain itself.
The most important one to know is
Glucose – a simple sugar that the
body ‘burns’ to create its energy
or ATP.
ATP
This molecule is what we referred to
when we said the mitochondria makes
energy.
The mitochondria actually make ATP, a
molecule that can store (and later
release) energy in the chemical bonds
between its phosphates.
ATP
So, ATP = Energy!
ATP
ADP + Energy from the
sugar Glucose
=
ATP
Be the Scientist!
Let’s say it’s the 1800s and you’re tasked
with trying to understand how plants
seem to grow to huge heights and
immensely old ages without seeming to
do anything more than drink water.
Come up with some experiments that you
could perform to uncover plants’ secrets.
How do you think science discovered the
secrets to how plants work?
ATP