Organic vs. Inorganic Molecules

If you understand these building blocks, future units will be a breeze!

Types of Molecules

• Molecules are elements that are bonded together. There are two types of molecules. – Organic – living or once living– Inorganic – 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 = • O2 =

• CO2 = • NH3 =

water

carbon dioxide

oxygen

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!

We do not eat inorganic materials, we eat

organic. Protein, carbs, and fats are our nutrition!

Organic Molecules

• Organisms either consume or produce their nutrition. However these molecules need to be broken down so they can be used for various needs.

Complex Molecules:

Proteins

Carbs

Lipids

Simple Units:

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 sponge to a whale has DNA.