Organic compounds are larger, more complex molecules that contain carbon . These molecules are responsible for carrying out most bodily functions. They are: Carbohydrates, Lipids, Proteins, Nucleic Acids, ATP
The Importance of Carbon
The key to the versatility of carbon is in its valence shell, which carries 4 electrons. This means that carbon has the ability to bind to numerous atoms and molecules to create many different substances.
An organic molecule is generally composed of 2 parts:
Carbon skeleton : chain or ring of C atoms covalently bonded together (C-C-C-C) and can decompose easily making them a good source of energy. Functional group : a molecule or group of molecules attached to the carbon skeleton that gives it specific characteristics and functions.
1. Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates include sugars, starches, glycogen, and cellulose. They represent 2-3% of total body weight and are molecules that consist solely of Carbon, Hydrogen and Oxygen. They are hydrophilic and have names that end with the suffix –OSE.
Functions :
1. Energy Source
2. Building block for larger structures such as DNA
1) Monosaccharides : simple sugar, only one ring, the building blocks of carbohydrates. The prefix Mono means one or single.
Examples:
2) Disaccharides : simple sugar, two rings, two monosaccharide combine by dehydration synthesis to form one disaccharide molecule and a molecule of water. The prefix Di means two.
Examples:
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