Molecules for Life
Unit 2 – Lesson 4
Molecules are
the building
blocks of
LIFE!
Combinations of Atoms
• When atoms of more than one element combine,
they form a compound.
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
LOVE
Compounds
• Think of two elements that
eachother…
A COMPOUND!
LOVE
Types of Molecules
• Molecules are elements that are bonded
together. There are two types of
molecules.
– Organic Molecules – living or once living
– Inorganic Molecules – nonliving
Types of Molecules
• Remember the elements carbon and hydrogen?
Well, when these elements are found together,
they make an ORGANIC molecule.
• Organic = C + H together
• Inorganic = no C + H together
SO, everything that is
living is ORGANIC,
it contains C and H.
Organic or Inorganic?
Inorganic Molecules
• There are millions of inorganic molecules,
but there are only a few you MUST know
• H2O = water
• O2 = oxygen
• CO2 = carbon dioxide
• NH3 = ammonia
Organic Molecules
• There are 4 types of organic molecules.
• Meaning, EVERYTHING that is living is made
up of a mixture of these 4 substances.
– Proteins
– Carbohydrates (Sugars)
– Lipids (Fats)
– Nucleic Acids (DNA)
You are what you
eat!
Protein, Carbs, and
Fats are our
nutrition!
Organic Molecules
• Organisms either consume or produce
their nutrition. The organic molecules need
to be broken down so they can be used for
various needs.
Complex Molecules:
Simple Units:
Proteins
Amino Acids
Carbs
Simple Sugars
Lipids
Fatty Acids
LEGO DEMO
Proteins
• The building blocks of proteins are amino acids.
• Proteins are important for many reasons.
– Enzymes – chemical reactions
– Body growth and repair
What kinds of
protein do we eat?
Carbohydrates
• The building blocks of carbohydrates are simple
sugars.
• C6H12O6 is sugar. Because of sugars structure,
it is represented as
in science.
• Carbohydrates provide:
– Energy
What kinds of
carbs do we eat?
Lipids
• The building blocks of lipids are fatty acids.
• Lipids are important because they:
– Provide stored energy
– Make up the cell membrane
What kinds of fat
do we eat?
Nucleic Acids
• Nucleic Acids make up the organisms heredity.
It is the DNA, or the genetic code for all living
things.
• Yes, every living organism from a bacterium to
a whale has DNA.