2.1 Molecules to metabolism Flashcards
Organic compounds
- Living organisms contain a vast range of chemical substances, the majority of which are carbon-containing compounds such as glucose, fats and proteins.
- These are collectively known as organic compounds.
- However, it is worth noting that there are a few carbon compounds that are not considered to be organic, such as carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, carbonates and hydrogen carbonates.
Carbon
- Carbon is an element. It has the atomic number 6, which means that it has 4 electrons in its outer shell.
- These can form four covalent bonds with other carbon atoms or atoms of other elements.
- This allows a diversity of stable carbon compounds to exist.
Structure of methane
Methane consists of a single carbon atom and four hydrogen atoms.
Diagram of carbon atom in a methane molecule
Diagram showing carbon chain and ring structures (Carbon is able to react with many other atoms and form stable arrangements)
Examples of carbon-based compounds found in living organisms
- lipids
- carbohydrates
- nucleic acids
- proteins.
Carbon can form a diversity of stable compounds due to ___
Its ability to form covalent bonds with atoms of carbon or other elements.
Living organisms are made of organic compounds called ___
Macromolecules
What are the four types of macromolecules?
- carbohydrates
- lipids
- proteins
- nucleic acids
- All of them contain carbon, hydrogen and oxygen atoms. Other elements are also present. Nitrogen appears in proteins and nucleic acids, phosphorus in some lipids (phospholipids).
Function of macromolecules
They build living cells and take part in numerous biochemical reactions.
What elements are carbohydrates composed of?
- Carbon
- Hydrogen
- Oxygen
What is the ratio of hydrogen to oxygen in carbohydrates?
2:1
Lipids are a very diverse group of ___
Organic compounds.
Examples of lipids
- Steroids (e.g. cholesterol)
- Waxes
- Phospholipids
- Triglyceries
Proteins consist of ___
Amino acids that re arranged in long chains.
Nucleic acids are chains just like proteins, but formed by ___
Nucleotides
What are macromolecules made up of?
- Smaller monomers
- Monomers join together to form larger structures called polymers
Examples of carbohydrates
- Alpha-D-glucose
- Beta-D-glucose
- Starch
- Ribose
Function of Alpha-D-glucose
Used in the production of ATP in cells.
Function of Beta-D-glucose
Used to build cell walls in plants.
Function of starch
Used as long-term storage in plants.
Function of ribose
Used as a component of DNA and RNA.
Examples of lipids
- Triglycerides
- Steroids
- Phospholipids
Function of triglycerides
Used as long-term storage in adipose tissue in animals.
Function of steroids
Used as chemical messengers in the body, have a distinctive ring shape.