What Compounds Do Cells Need?

Carbohydrates – Organic Molecule• Made of carbon, hydrogen, and

oxygen• Short term energy storage –

body uses first• Makes up cell wall and cell

membrane• Fruits, breads, pasta, rice,

potatoes, candy, and cookies • Examples:

– starches - large sugar molecules that store excess energy

– glucose (sugar) – body breaks down starches into glucose when eaten; cells use to get energy

– cellulose – found in cell walls of plants

Proteins – Organic Molecule• Made of carbon, hydrogen,

oxygen, and nitrogen• Makes up many cell structures

(cell membrane and parts of the organelles)

• Responsible for many cell functions

• Enzymes – a group of proteins that speed up chemical reactions

• Meat, dairy products, fish, nuts, and beans

• Examples:– Amylase – an enzyme in saliva

that speeds up the digestion of starch

– Keratin – provides structural support; found in hair, nails, horns, feathers

Lipids – Organic Molecule• Made of carbon, hydrogen,

and oxygen• Long term energy storage –

body uses last• Makes up most of the cell

membrane• Fats, oils, and waxes• Whole milk, ice cream, and

fried foods• Examples:– Cholesterol – found in your

blood– Phosopholipids – make up cell

membrane

Nucleic Acids – Organic Molecule• Made of carbon, hydrogen,

oxygen, protein, and nitrogen

• Contain the instructions that cells need to carry out all the functions of life

• Red meat, shellfish, mushrooms, and peas

• Examples:– DNA – genetic material that

carries information about an organism; directs cell functions; found in the cell’s nucleus

– RNA – makes proteins

Water – Inorganic Molecule• Made of hydrogen and

oxygen• Used for many chemical

reactions in the cell• Helps cells keep their

shape• Regulates cell

temperature• Carries substances into

and out of cells• About 2/3 of the human

body is made of water