The Chemical Basis of

Life II:
Organic Molecules
Chapter 3

Learning Outcomes by section

3.1 The Carbon Atom and the study

of organic molecules
1. Explain the properties of carbon that
make it the chemical basis of all life
2. Describe the variety and chemical
characteristics of common functional
groups of organic compounds.
3. Compare and contrast the different
types of isomeric compounds.
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Organic Molecules: carbon-containing

molecules
Macromolecules: large, complex
compounds such as lipids, carbohydrates,
proteins and nucleic acids
Carbon forms 4 covalent bonds with
other atoms

Hydrocarbons: molecules with predominantly

or entirely H-C bonds are nonpolar (H & C have
similar electronegativity) C-O or C-N form polar
covalent bonds
Carbon-carbon bonds are short bonds, very
stable and strong

Structural isomers: contain the same atoms

but in different bonding relationships, same
chemical formula.
Enantiomer: mirror images

Learning Outcomes by Section

3.2 Formation of Organic
Molecules and Macromolecules
1. Diagram how small molecules
may be assembled into larger
ones by dehydration reactions and
how hydrolysis reactions can
reverse this process.
2. List the four major classes of
organic molecules and
macromolecules found in living

Large molecules (polymers) are formed by

the linking together of small molecules
(monomers).
Monomer means one part
Polymer means many parts
Condensation reaction (dehydration
reaction): the chemical process by which
two or more molecules combine into a
larger one.
The term dehydration reaction is used
when organic molecules form because a

New bond is formed

between the two
monomers

Hydrolysis reaction: the chemical process by

which a polymer is broken down into
monomers. A water molecule is added
during this reaction.
Dehydration and hydrolysis are both
catalyzed by enzymes

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The Four major classes of

organic molecules and
macromolecules found in
living organisms are:
1. Carbohydrates
2. Lipids
3. Proteins
4. Nucleic acids

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Learning Outcomes by Section

3.3 Carbohydrates
1. Distinguish among different forms of
carbohydrate molecules, including
monosaccharides, disaccharides, and
polysaccharides.
2. Relate the functions of plant and
animal polysaccharides to their
structure.
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What atoms bind together to make

Carbohydrates?
carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen
atoms
What is the generic molecular
formula for a carbohydrate ?
Cn(H2O)n
What is the important functional
group in carbohydrates ?
Most of the carbon atoms in a

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Monosaccharides are
Simplest sugars
Most common are 5 or 6
carbons
Pentoses (C5H10O5), ribose
(C5H10O4) deoxyribose
Hexose- glucose
(C6H12O6)
Different ways to depict
structures
Ring or linear;
Numbering

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Glucose isomers: numbering

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Number the carbons on the deoxyribose ring

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Number the carbons on the deoxyribose ring

4
3

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Questions you should answer

What type of molecule is glucose?
What is the difference between D-glucose
and L-glucose ?
Which is the correct naming if the
numbering of a molecule goes in a
clockwise direction ?
D or L ?
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How are Disaccharides related to

monosaccharides ?
Disaccharides are Carbohydrates composed
of two monosaccharides
Joined by dehydration or condensation
reaction--> covalent bonding between OH
groups (energy store)
Broken apart by hydrolysis
gives off energy + uses water.

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What are Polysaccharides?

Many monosaccharides linked
together to form long polymers

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Question you should answer

How would you break up a disaccharide into two
monosaccharides ?
Why would a biological organism need to break a
polysaccharide into its monomer forms ?

Why would a biological organism need to make a

polysaccharide from monosaccharides ?
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Learning Outcomes by Section

3.4 Lipids
1. List the several different classes of lipid
molecules important in living organisms
2. Explain why some fats are saturated and
some are nonsaturated
3. Diagram a phospholipid, label the
hydrophilic and hydrophobic portions.
4. Explain how phospholipids function in the
formation of cellular membranes
5. Describe the nature of steroids and give an
example of a steroid and its function.
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The defining feature of lipids is that they are

nonpolar and insoluble in water
Lipids include: triglycerides (fats),
phospholipids, steroids and waxes
Triglycerides (fats) are formed by bonding
3 fatty acid chains to glycerol molecules

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Saturated- all carbons are

linked by single covalent
bonds
Tend to be solid at
room temperature
Unsaturated- contain one
or more double bonds
1 double bondmonounsaturated
2 or more
polyunsaturated
Tend to be liquids at
room temperature
(oils)

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Phospholipids : think membranes !

Glycerol, 2 fatty
acids and a
phosphate group
Amphipathic
molecule
Phosphate regionpolar,
hydrophilic
Fatty acid chainsnonpolar,
hydrophobic

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What are Steroids ? Lipids in ring

form
Four interconnected
rings of carbon atoms
Usually not very
water soluble
Cholesterol
Estrogen and
testosterone differ
only slightly
Are polysaccharides
larger than steroids ?

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Learning Outcomes by Section

3.5 Proteins
1. Give examples of general types of functions
that are carried out by different types of
proteins
2. Explain how amino acids are joined to form
a polypeptide, and distinguish between a
polypeptide and protein
3. Describe the levels of protein structure and
the factors that determine them
4. Outline the bonding forces important in
determining protein shape and function
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Know the category and functions of proteins;

be able to give an example of each category
and its function

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The monomer of a protein is an

amino acid

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Amino acids are joined together by a

dehydration reaction that links the carboxyl
group of one amino acid to the amino group of
another amino acid
The covalent bond formed between the two
amino acids is called a peptide bond

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There are
20
different
amino
acids
used to
make
proteins

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The four structures of proteins are

determined by
Primary structure: amino acid
sequence; ultimately determined by
DNA
Secondary structure: alpha helix and
beta pleated sheets are formed by
hydrogen bonding
Tertiary structure: reaction between
R groups of amino acids

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Protein Structure is influenced by

1. Hydrogen bonds
2. Ionic bonds and other polar
interactions
3. Hydrophobic effects
4. Van der Waals forces
5. Disulfide bridges
The first four factors are also important
in protein to protein interactions
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Learning Outcomes by Section

3.6

Nucleic Acids

1.Describe the three components of

nucleotides
2.Distinguish between the structures of
DNA and RNA
3.Describe how certain bases pair with
others in DNA and RNA
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