Biochemistry of Cells

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Slide 1

Biochemistry of Cells

Slide 2

Uses of Organic Molecules

Americans consume an average of 140 pounds of sugar per person per year

Cellulose, found in plant cell walls, is the most abundant organic compound on Earth

Slide 3

Uses of Organic Molecules

A typical cell in your body has about 2 meters of DNA

A typical cow produces over 200 pounds of methane gas each year

Slide 4

Water

About 60-90 percent of an organism is water

Water is used in most reactions in the body

Water is called the universal solvent

Slide 5

Water Properties

Polarity

Cohesiveness

Adhesiveness

Surface Tension

Slide 6

Carbon-based Molecules

Although a cell is mostly water, the rest of the cell consists mostly of carbon-based molecules

Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds

Slide 7

Carbon is a Versatile Atom

It has four electrons in an outer shell that holds eight

Carbon can share its electrons with other atoms to form up to four covalent bonds

Slide 8

Hydrocarbons

The simplest carbon compounds …

Contain only carbon & hydrogen atoms

Slide 9

Carbon can use its bonds to::

Attach to other carbons

Form an endless diversity of carbon skeletons

Slide 10

Large Hydrocarbons:

Are the main molecules in the gasoline we burn in our cars

The hydrocarbons of fat molecules provide energy for our bodies

Slide 11

Shape of Organic Molecules

Each type of organic molecule has a unique three-dimensional shape

The shape determines its function in an organism

Slide 12

Functional Groups are:

Groups of atoms that give properties to the compounds to which they attach

Gained Electrons

Lost Electrons

Slide 13