but what’s so special about carbon? carbon has 4 valence electrons can readily form and break...

MacromoleculesThe Ingredients for Life

• But what’s so special about Carbon?• Carbon has 4 valence electrons• Can readily form and break bonds• Forms long chains• Can form single, double, and triple bonds

Organic = Carbon

Essential ElementsThere are 25 elements that are vital to

human survivalHowever, only 6 of them make up the

majority of our body:Carbon (C)Hydrogen (H)Oxygen (O)Nitrogen (N)Sulfur (S)Phosphorus (P)

Organic or Inorganic?

Acetic Acid CH3COOHSulfur dioxide SO2

Hydrogen H2

Acetone CH3COCH3 Calcium Carbonate CaCO3

Ascorbic Acid C6H8O6

Hydrogen Peroxide H2O2

Caffeine C8H10N4O2

Ammonia NH3

Glucose C6H12O6

All Living Things Contain Carbon!

It appears that this planet consists of carbon-based life-forms…

Acetic Acid CH3COOHAcetone CH3COCH3 Calcium Carbonate CaCO3

Ascorbic Acid C6H8O6

Caffeine C8H10N4O2

Glucose C6H12O6

Macromolecules: the Ingredients for Life

Macromolecules are large molecules made up of smaller organic molecules.

Living organisms must have 4 essential components, which we call macromolecules.1. Carbohydrates2. Lipids3. Proteins4. Nucleic Acids

How Big are Macromolecules?Atoms Molecules and Compounds

Organelles

Cells

Organs

Organisms

Macromolecules

So, What are Macromolecules?Macromolecules are large molecules that

are made of smaller units called monomers (mono = one).

When these monomers link together to form a larger molecule, it is called a polymer (poly = many)

How are they made and taken apart?Macromolecules are synthesized (made)

when their monomers are linked together by removing waterThe process of removing water in order to

create bonds and link together molecules is called dehydration.

Macromolecules are broken down by adding water to the bonds between their monomers.This process of adding water in order to break

bonds is called hydrolysis.

Dehydration Reaction

Hydrolysis

Recipe for Life

Ingredients:Carbohydrates

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic Acids

CarbohydratesElements: Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), and Oxygen

(O) atoms in a 1:2:1 ratio.

Monomer: simple sugar, also called a monosaccharide. Ex: glucose, fructose, galactose

Polymer: Disaccharide – 2 monosaccharides linked together by

covalent bonds Ex: sucrose, lactose, maltose

Polysaccharide – many monosaccharides or disaccharides linked together in large, repeating units by covalent bonds

CarbohydratesFunction: quick energy, energy storage

or structural unitsQuick Energy

Simple sugars such as mono- and disaccharidesEnergy Storage

Large polysaccharides Ex: starch in plants; glycogen in animal liver and

muscleStructural Units

Large polysaccharides Ex: cellulose in plant walls; chitin in fungi

Recipe for LifeIngredients:Carbohydrates

Lipids

Proteins

Nucleic Acids