Molecules of Life

The Chemistry of Carbon

Carbon is the most versatile element

• Can form up to 4 bonds at one time.

• Carbon may also form bonds with other Carbons allowing for unlimited chain lengths

The Chemistry of Carbon May form 3 types of bond bonds with

other Carbons

Single –

Double =

Triple ≡ ⤳Can even fold over forming rings

All compounds can be classified into 2 broad categories:

Organic compounds- Contain carbon (C) and hydrogen(H) atoms

Inorganic compounds- Can have one or the other, but do not contain both carbon(C) and hydrogen (H) atoms

Most of your body’s molecules are organic compounds.

How are biomolecules made? Monomers Polymer

H2O

H2O

H2O

H2O H2O

H2O H2O

H2O H2O

H2O

H2O

Monomers connect to form polymers

Mono = One Poly = Many

How are biomolecules made? Macromolecules are built from small organic

compounds the same way a railroad train is built, by linking a lot of smaller units together into long

chains.

Large carbon compounds are built up from smaller simpler molecules called monomers

(mono = one )

How are biomolecules made? Monomers can bind to one another to form

complex molecules known as polymers

(poly = many)

A polymer consists of repeated, linked units, which can also bind forming large polymers called Macromolecules.

(macro = large )

How are biomolecules made? Monomers link to form polymers

through a chemical reaction called a condensation reaction or dehydration synthesis. During the formation of polymers, Water (H2O), is released or is a by-product of the reaction.

How are biomolecules made? Monomers Polymer

H2O

H2O

H2O

H2O H2O

H2O H2O

H2O H2O

H2O

H2O

How are biomolecules broken down?

The breakdown of some complex molecules, such as polymers, occurs through a process known as hydrolysis.

Hydrolysis is the reverse of a condensation reaction. The addition of water, to some polymers can break the bonds that hold them together.

Types of Biomolecules There are four main types of

macromolecules found in living organisms:

1. Carbohydrates

2. Lipids

3. Nucleic Acids

4. Proteins

Exit Ticket 1. Fab 5 elements

2. 4 Biomolecules

3. 2 terms for the removal of water to form a polymer

4. Term for the opposite reaction (addition of water to break down a polymer)

Folder Table of Contents Syllabus

Honesty Contract

Safety Quiz

Lab Equipment Notes

Lab Equipment Quiz

Etymology Notes

Characteristics of Life notes

Atoms and Elements Notes

Atoms and Elements Quiz

Water Notes/Lab

Biomolecule Notes