Organic Molecules
Organic Compounds



Contain C and H
Often form long chains of carbon atoms linked by
covalent bonds
Macromolecules = large organic molecules abundant
in living organisms
Carbohydrates
Lipids
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Adenosine triphospate (ATP)
Who studies macromolecules?

Biochemistry is the study of the chemical
interactions of living things
Elements in Living Organisms
Hydrogen (H)
 Oxygen (O)
 Carbon (C)
 Nitrogen (N)
 Phosphorus (P)
 Sulfur (S)

Also the most abundant in macromolecules
Macromolecule #1: Carbohydrates



C, H, O (ratio 1:2:1)
Purpose: energy and structure
Three types:



Monosaccharides (one sugar ring)
Dissaccharides (two sugar rings)
Polysaccharides (many sugar rings)
Monosaccharides

Quick energy
Glucose = most important “fuel” in our body

Fructose, galactose

Disaccharides

Short term energy storage
Sucrose (table sugar) = glucose + fructose

Lactose = glucose + galactose

Polysaccharides



Glycogen = energy storage; found in liver and muscles
Starch = provides energy; the most consumed
carbohydrate in human diet
Cellulose = structural support; found in plants; humans
cannot digest it (fiber)
Glycogen
Cellulose
Formation and breakdown of macromolecules
fig. 2.10
seen in digestion