Transcript Molecules and Life

Molecules and Life
SWBAT list the four categories of molecules that are
essential to life; give an example of a carbohydrate; tell
what structures make up proteins; name the two major
types of nucleic acids; give two major uses of lipids;
describe enzymes and discuss some of their functions
Smaller than a cell. . .
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What are the smallest structures in cells
called?
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Molecules
What are molecules made up of?
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Atoms
4 General Categories
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Carbohydrates
Proteins
Nucleic acids
Lipids (fats)
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What are they used for?
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Building cells
Storing energy
Regulating cell activity
Storing genetic information
Carbohydrates
Furnish the body with its main source of
energy glucose (blood sugar)
In our diets we get three types:
 Refined or processed sugars (sucrose)
Examples: candy, soda, tastycakes
 Naturally occurring sugars Examples:
fruits, veggies, milk products
 Complex carbohydrates Example: Pasta,
bread, cereal
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Proteins
Proteins are the body’s building materials
 Our cells are primarily made of protein
(skin, organs, hair, muscle, nails, etc.)
 Essential for growth and repair
 Found in: steak, chicken, fish, eggs, beans
and tofu
 Building Blocks: amino acids
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Nucleic Acids
Contain all the instructions that living cells
need to make proteins and maintain live
 Made up of nucleotides
 Two major types
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DNA
 RNA
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Lipids (fats)
Found in fats, oils and waxes
 Needed for:
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stored energy
 Protects organs
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Stores some vitamins
Building Blocks –
glycerol + 3 fatty acids
Questions
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What atoms are carbohydrates primarily made up of?
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Give an example of a carbohydrate.
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Amino acids
What are the two major types of nucleic acids?
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Store food and contract for movement
What are the structures that make up a protein called?
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Sugar or Glucose
What do proteins do in living cells?
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Carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen
DNA and RNA
What are the two major uses of lipids?
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Store energy and create boundaries
Cellulose
Cellulose is made by plants
 Dietary fiber is mostly cellulose
 Some animals (such as cows) have
special structures or processes to digest
cellulose
 Linen and cotton are made of cellulose
 Cellophane and many plastics are made of
cellulose
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Enzymes
Are proteins which act as a catalyst
 Catalyst- start or speed up a chemical
reaction
1. Enzymes are specific in their actions
Example: saliva acts on starch
Idea: cheeseburger-bun dissolves in
mouth
2. Enzymes are not used up in the reaction
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