Unit 1 Organic Chemistry and Macromolecules: Key Concepts for Biology

Organic Chemistry

The study of compounds that contain bonds with carbon atoms.

Carbon

The element of life that contains 4 valence (outer) electrons and forms strong covalent bonds with other elements.

Macromolecules

Large organic compounds formed from hundreds or thousands of smaller molecules called monomers.

Monomers

Single molecules of a carbon compound.

Polymerization

The process of joining smaller monomers to create larger molecules.

Polymers

Long chains formed when monomers join together.

Dehydration Synthesis

The process where monomers are joined together through covalent bonds to make polymers, with water lost as a byproduct.

Hydrolysis

The process where polymers are broken down into monomers using water molecules.

Activation Energy

The energy needed to start a reaction.

Anabolic Reactions

Chemical reactions that build larger molecules from smaller ones.

Catabolic Reactions

Chemical reactions that break down larger molecules into smaller ones.

Endergonic Reactions

Reactions that require energy input.

Exergonic Reactions

Reactions that release energy.

Carbohydrates

Macromolecules consisting of sugars and starches, usually colorless, water soluble, and crystalized.

Monosaccharides

Simple sugars that contain a single monomer.

Disaccharides

Carbohydrates that contain 2 monosaccharides chemically combined.

Polysaccharides

Carbohydrates that contain 3 or more monomers.

Glycogen

A form of energy storage in animals, primarily found in liver and muscle cells.

Starch

A form of energy storage in plants.

Glycoproteins

Molecules formed by the bonding of carbohydrates with proteins, important in cell membranes.

Glycosidic Bond

The bond between 2 monosaccharides.

Structural Isomers

Compounds that share the same formula but have different structures.

Elemental Ratio of Carbohydrates

1:2:1, representing the ratio of Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen in carbohydrates.

Maltose

product of starch digestion, malt or beer sugar= glucose + glucose

Lactose

sugar in milk = galactose + glucose

Sucrose

common table sugar = glucose + fructose

Cellulose

Builds cell walls for plants and bacteria. Gives plants strength and flexibility.

Chitin

Insects, other arthropods, and crustaceans use chitin in their exoskeletons. Fungi use chitin in their cell walls.

Lipids

All lipids contain Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen atoms (CHO), and are hydrophobic, or insoluble in water.

Monomer of Lipids

Fatty Acids & Glycerol

Polymer of Lipids

Fats, Oils, Waxes, Steroids, Triglycerides, Phospholipids

Functions of Lipids

Long-term Energy Storage, Make Up Cell Membranes, Prevent water from soaking plant tissue and bird feathers

Saturated Fats

Solid at room temperature

Unsaturated Fats

Liquid at room temperature

Proteins

Composed of Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, and Nitrogen Atoms - CHON

Monomer of Proteins

Amino Acids

Polymer of Proteins

Polypeptide

Functions of Proteins

Form Cell Structures, Transport substances around the body, Enzymes control the rate of reactions in an organism, Hormones coordinate activity of body systems, Defend the body against pathogens and disease, Contract muscles for movement, Stores nutrients inside animal eggs and seedlings

Amino Acids

About 20 Amino Acids are found in nature. All have an amino group, carboxyl group, and R group.

Proteins Organizational Levels

Primary: Sequence of Amino Acids, Secondary: Folding of Polypeptide Chain, Tertiary: 3-D Arrangement of Polypeptide Chain, Quaternary: Association of 2 or More Proteins

Nucleic Acids

Composed Of: Carbon, Hydrogen, Oxygen, Nitrogen, and Phosphorus - CHONP

Monomer of Nucleic Acids

Nucleotides - composed of 5-Carbon sugar, phosphate group, and nitrogen base.

Polymer of Nucleic Acids

Nucleic Acids

Function of Nucleic Acids

Store and Transmit Hereditary or Genetic Information - DNA & RNA

Components of Nucleic Acids

Monosaccharide: DNA- deoxyribose, RNA- ribose; Phosphate Group; Nitrogenous Base: DNA: cytosine, guanine, adenine, thymine; RNA: cytosine, guanine, adenine, uracil