NAME_____________________________
CLASS:__________
Organic Compounds – The Chemistry of Life!
Organic molecules are the molecules which exist in all living things. They are life‟s building
blocks. All living things are formed from water, and the 4 different types of organic
molecules: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.
Directions: Read the descriptions below and see if you can determine which of the 5 key
molecules of life is being described. Write P for Protein, C for Carbohydrate, N for
Nucleic Acid, L for Lipid, or W for Water.
_________ This molecule does everything from building your body’s structure to
controlling chemical reactions.
_________ This molecule is made of only hydrogen and oxygen atoms.
_________ This molecule forms membranes around cells.
_________ This is the most abundant molecule in the human body, it makes up about 2/3
of your body.
_________ Enzymes are one type of this molecule, which help speed up chemical reactions
in the body.
_________ This molecule uses codes to store all of the instructions for your bodies
function and growth.
_________ This is the main molecule making up foods like sugars and starches.
_________ This molecule is considered the “blueprints” for your body.
_________ This is the main molecule that makes up things like fats, oil and cholesterol.
_________ This molecule stores energy for the body to use later.
NAME_____________________________
CLASS:__________
_________ This molecule helps insulate the body so it deosn’t loose too much heat.
_________ This molecule flows though your body carrying nutrients from place to place.
_________ Collagen and Keritin are two examples of this type of molecule that help build
bone, skin, hair and nails.
_________ This molecule is good at dissolving substances that your body needs and it is
involved in many chemical reaction that happen in your body.
_________ When this molecule is broken down, it releases the main source of energy your
body uses to function.
_________ DNA and RNA are examples of this type of molecule.