The Four Major Organic Molecules
 Organic Molecules contain the element carbon and bond to
hydrogen and oxygen
 Each organic molecule contains different ratios of these atoms
Type of Organic Molecule
Roles of Molecule
in the Body
Monomers
Specific Examples
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates
provide the body
with energy needed
to perform daily
functions. It’s
important that our
bodies have a
constant supply of
energy to function
properly and
eliminate fatigue.
The monomer of
carbohydrate is a
monosaccharide.
Monosaccharides are
made up of one
sugar molecule and
contain 6 carbons.
The formula for a
monosaccharide is
C6 H12 O6.
Glucose, Galactose,
and Fructose are all
specific examples of
Carbs. Glucose is the
most common
because it is found in
our blood sugar and
needed by the brain
for energy.
Lipids
Lipids also provide
the body with
energy. A lot of
the energy,
however, is
stored. Lipids
generally store the
extra energy as
fat. This fat is
good for cushion,
insulation, and
protection of the
internal organs.
The monomer of
lipids is
triglycerides which
are made up of
one molecule of
glycerol and three
fatty acids. The
glycerol and fatty
acids are formed
by dehydration
synthesis.
Triglycerides,
Phospholipid, and
Steroids
Proteins
Proteins help to
keep the skin, hair,
and nails healthy.
Proteins are
building blocks
that repair
damaged areas of
the body. Proteins
are also a form of
energy for the
body.
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids are
needed in order to
maintain and
reproduce the
cells that make up
the body. Nucleic
Acids are what
make everyone
unique. They are
also used for
energy.
The monomers of
proteins are amino
acids. Amino acids
are joined
together by
dehydration
synthesis.
Covalent bonds
hold the amino
acids together and
also link the
carboxyl group of
one amino acid to
the amino group
of the next.
Enzyme proteins
The monomers of
nucleic acids are
known as
nucleotides.
Nucleotides are
made up three
main parts:
nitrogenous base,
pentose sugar,
and a phosphate
group.
DNA
RNA