Molecules of Life

Carbon Compounds

The Versatile Carbon Atom

Carbon has 4 electrons in outer shell

Can form a bond with four other molecules

Molecular Structure

What is a polymer? Monomer?

How are they assembled?

Monosaccharaides are single-unit sugars

These molecules typically have a formula that is a multiple of CH2O

Each molecule contains hydroxyl groups and a carbonyl group

Monosaccharaides are the fuels for cellular work

Carbohydrates

Figure 3.4A

Isomers

Glucose and fructose are isomers They contain the

same atoms but in different arrangements

The ‘Ring’ form

Polysaccharides

LipidsNot true polymers

Hydrocarbons that are non-polar

Triglycerides are our bodies main energy reserve

Phospholipid

Lipids

Steroids like cholesterol make up parts of cell membranes

Steroid hormones

Form & Function

ProteinsUsed for structural components (cartilage)and functional (enzymes)

Amino acids: carboxyl, amine and R-group

Primary Structure

of a Protein

How Are Proteins Made?

Nucleic AcidsGenetic material Link between gene &

proteins

Energy carriers and chemical messengersNucleotides: sugar, phosphate, nitrogenous baseATP

The Four Bases

DNA & Protein: Uses

in Systematics