Organic Compounds

Organic substances

it contains carbon and are fundamental to all living organisms, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Carbohydrates

are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, serving as a primary energy source for the body.

Carbohydrates

They provide energy, store energy, and serve as structural components in cells.

Carbohydrates

Primary source of energy for the body and spares proteins from being used as an energy source

Carbohydrates

It provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and maintains bowel health, and are important for proper brain function, as the brain relies heavily on glucose for energy

Monosaccharides

are the simplest form and are easily absorbed by the body.

Glucose

Primary energy source for cells

Fructose

Found in fruits and honey

Galactose

Part of lactose in milk

Disaccharides

are formed from two monosaccharide units and are broken down during digestion.

Sucrose

Table sugar, composed of glucose and fructose

Lactose

Found in milk, composed of glucose and galactose

Maltose

Found in malted foods, composed of two glucose molecules

Polysaccharides

serve as energy storage and structural materials in plants and animals.

Starch

Storage form of glucose in plants

Glycogen

Storage form of glucose in animals

Cellulose

Structural component of plant cell walls

Chitin

Structural component in fungal cell walls and exoskeletons of insects

Carbohydrates

It also provide dietary fiber, which aids in digestion and maintains bowel health.

Lipids

are a diverse group of compounds, including fats, oils, and phospholipids, primarily composed of hydrocarbons.

Lipids

They serve multiple functions, including energy storage, insulation, and forming cell membranes.

Lipids

They are hydrophobic, meaning they do not mix with water, which is crucial for membrane structure.

triglycerides

Fats and oils are also known as this which are essential macromolecules composed of glycerol and three fatty acid chains.

Fats and Oils

They serve as a primary source of long-term energy storage and provide insulation for the body.

Saturated Fats

Characterized by no double bonds between carbon atoms, making them solid at room temperature. Common examples include butter and lard.

Unsaturated Fats

Contain one or more double bonds, resulting in a liquid state at room temperature. Examples include olive oil and fish oil, which are known for their health benefits.

Phospholipids

are a major component of cell membranes, composed of glycerol, two fatty acid chains, and a phosphate group.

Phospholipids

Their amphipathic nature allows them to form bilayers in aqueous environments, crucial for cell membrane structure

Steroids

Composed of four fused carbon rings.

Steroids

They function as hormones and signaling molecules. Examples include cholesterol, testosterone, and estrogen, which are vital for various physiological processes.

Cholesterol

essential for cell membrane stability

Waxes

Long-chain fatty acids esterified to long-chain alcohols, providing hydrophobic protective coatings.

Waxes

Found on surfaces of leaves and feathers, with beeswax being a notable example used in honeycomb construction.

Proteins

They are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids and are essential for the structure, function, and regulation of the body's cells, tissues, and organs.

Proteins

They are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur, highlighting their diverse roles in biological systems.

Proteins

They catalyze metabolic reactions, facilitate DNA replication, respond to stimuli, and transport molecules throughout the body.

Enzymes

Catalysts that speed up biochemical reactions (e.g., amylase, lipase).

Structural Proteins

Provide support and shape to cells and tissues (e.g., collagen, keratin).

Transport Proteins

Carry substances throughout the body (e.g., hemoglobin).

Antibodies

Part of the immune system that helps fight infections (e.g., immunoglobulins).

Signaling Proteins

Involved in cell communication (e.g., insulin).

Motor Proteins

Facilitate movement (e.g., myosin).

Examples of Specific Proteins

Hemoglobin

Transports oxygen in the blood, essential for cellular respiration.

Collagen

Provides structural integrity to skin, bones, and connective tissues.

Insulin

Regulates blood sugar levels, crucial for metabolic homeostasis.

Amylase

Enzyme that aids in carbohydrate digestion.

Myosin

Key player in muscle contraction, enabling movement.

Nucleic acids

They are macromolecules that store and transmit genetic information, composed of monomers called nucleotides.

Nucleotides

Nucleic Acids are composed of monomers called?

DNA

It holds the instructions for protein synthesis

RNA

translates and carries out protein synthesis instructions.

DNA Structure and Function

DNA

A double-stranded helical molecule composed of nucleotides with deoxyribose sugar.

DNA

Contains four nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G), which store genetic information in their sequences.

nucleus

Where is DNA found in eukaryotic cells?

cytoplasm Where is DNA found in prokaryotic cells?

RNA Structure and Function

RNA

A single-stranded molecule composed of nucleotides with ribose sugar.

RNA

It contains four nitrogenous bases: Adenine (A), Uracil (U), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G), playing a crucial role in protein synthesis.

RNA

It functions in protein synthesis and regulation of gene expression

Functions of RNA

mRNA

Carries genetic information from DNA to ribosomes for protein synthesis.

tRNA

Transfers specific amino acids to the ribosome during protein synthesis, ensuring the correct sequence of amino acids in proteins.

rRNA

Forms structural and functional components of ribosomes, facilitating the translation of mRNA into proteins.