Coordinated Science 2

 Organic Molecules

    Molecules that contain carbon-hydrogen bonds and are found in living things.

Occur in 4 major classes; 

1. Carbohydrates
2. Proteins
3. Lipids
4. Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates are either:

Simple : Mono-saccharides and Disaccharides

Complex : Polysaccharides

• The body uses carbohydrates by breaking them down into simple sugars. These sugars are then absorbed into the bloodstream.
• As the sugar level rises, the pancreas produce insulin (a hormone that moves sugar from the blood into the cells).
• In the cells it is used as a source of engery in the mitochondrion  

 Proteins

       Are made from amino acids that form short polymer chains called peptides. They can also form longer chains called polypeptides.

 

Lipids

      Are known to be "hydrophobic" and don't mix with water trying to repel it.

Types of Lipids

• Fats
• Oils
• Waxes
• Phospholipids
• Steriods

 Fats and Oils are made from two kinds of molecules;

1. Glycerol
2. 3 fatty acids (triglycerides)

Waxes are difficult to break down, providing a protective and waterproof layer for some bacteria, animal fur and plants.

Phospohlipids make up cell membranes creating a double layer, also known as the lipid bilayer.

Chloestrol is an example of a steriod. And surprisingly, our cell membranes contain a large amount of it. The cholestrol helps the cell membrane by keeping it flexible, even when exposed to extreme temperatures.

Nucleic Acids

       Are macromolcules composed of nucleotide chains. They carry genetic information and form structures within cells. Nucleic acids are universal in all living things and found in all cells.

Common Nucleic Acids

• Deoxyribonucleic Acid (D.N.A.)
• Ribonucleic Acid (R.N.A)