Organic Compounds

Organic Compounds

• Organic compounds are defined as molecules that contain carbon atoms and are typically found in living organisms.

• In contrast, inorganic compounds generally do not contain carbon (e.g., water, oxygen, salts).

Importance of Carbon

• Carbon is crucial in organic chemistry due to its unique ability to form four covalent bonds, allowing it to bond with various elements and create diverse structures.

• The structure of a carbon compound is critical in determining its function within biological systems.

Types of Carbon Bonds

• Carbon can form different types of bonds, which influence the structure:

  • Single Bond: One pair of electrons are shared between carbon atoms.

  • Double Bond: Two pairs of electrons are shared.

  • Triple Bond: Three pairs of electrons are shared.

• Key structures include:

  • Straight Chain

  • Carbon Rings

  • Branched Chains

Macromolecules - Four Groups of Organic Compounds

1. Carbohydrates

   • Purpose: Quick energy source.

   • Monomers: Monosaccharides (e.g., glucose, fructose).

   • Polymers: Disaccharides (e.g., sucrose) and polysaccharides (e.g., starch, cellulose, glycogen).

   • Identification clues: Ends in -ose; contains C, H, O with a 2:1 ratio of H:O.

2. Lipids

   • Purpose: Store energy, component of cell membranes, provide insulation, protect organs.

   • Monomers: Glycerol and fatty acids.

   • Polymers: Triglycerides (fats, oils).

   • Includes saturated (solid at room temperature) and unsaturated fats (liquid at room temperature).

3. Proteins

   • Purpose: Growth and repair of cells, enzyme activity, hormone production.

   • Monomers: Amino acids (20 different types).

   • Polymers: Polypeptides: examples include meat, fish, eggs.

   • Identification clues: Contains C, H, O, and nitrogen.

4. Nucleic Acids

   • Purpose: Store and transmit genetic information, assist in protein synthesis.

   • Monomers: Nucleotides.

   • Polymers: DNA and RNA.

   • Identification clues: Contains nitrogen and phosphorus.

Formation of Organic Compounds

• Organic compounds are formed through polymerization, the process where multiple monomers bond to form larger macromolecules (polymers).

Identification Clues for Organic Compounds

• Carbohydrates: 2:1 ratio of hydrogen to oxygen, ends in -ose.

• Lipids: Higher ratio of hydrogen to oxygen; not water-soluble.

• Proteins: Contain nitrogen along with C, H, O.

• Nucleic Acids: Contain nitrogen and phosphorus.

Vitamins and Minerals

• Vitamins: Essential nutrients needed in small amounts for growth and tissue repair, do not provide energy. Includes 13 different vitamins.

• Example Vitamins: Vitamin A (beta-carotene), Vitamin C (ascorbic acid).

• Minerals: Required for various bodily functions, build cell parts, do not provide energy. Examples include calcium and iron.

Water's Role in the Body

• Makes up about 60% of the human body.

• Functions:

  • Cool down the body (sweating).

  • Transport nutrients and waste products.

  • Maintain homeostasis.

Digestion of Organic Compounds

• The process of digestion involves breaking down polymers into monomers using enzymes for energy absorption.

• Enzymes lower the activation energy needed for reactions, allowing them to occur more efficiently.

Enzymes

• Enzymes are proteins that act as catalysts in biochemical reactions, typically ending in -ase (e.g., lactase).

• They interact with specific substrates at their active sites and can be denatured by extreme conditions (e.g., pH, temperature).

Denaturation of Enzymes

• Denaturation results in loss of function due to structural changes in enzymes, preventing substrate binding. For example, cooking an egg results in protein denaturation, changing its appearance and function.

moles

The amount of a substance in moles helps quantify the concentration of substrates and products involved in enzyme-catalyzed reactions, playing a critical role in understanding enzyme kinetics and efficiency.

stoichiometry

• The stoichiometry of a reaction describes the quantitative relationship between reactants and products, allowing us to predict how changes in concentration affect enzyme activity and reaction rates.

meiosis

Meiosis, while primarily associated with gamete formation, also involves the consideration of the stoichiometry of biomolecules, as it is crucial to analyze the ratios of genetic material exchanged during crossing over and its influence on genetic diversity in populations.