Difference in Elements and Compounds
•Elements/molecule – A pure chemical substance consisting of one type of atom •Cannot be broken down into a simpler substance •Compound – 2 or more elements that have been chemically combined •Can be broken down into a simpler substance Organic Chemistry •The scientific study of the structure, properties, and reactions of carbon-containing compounds •Originally limited to compounds produced by living organisms •Broadened to include human-made substances such as cosmetics, plastics, pharmaceuticals Organic Compounds Biomolecules (made by cells) •Compose all life forms •Compounds of carbon •Occur naturally in living organisms •Consist mainly of carbon and hydrogen •Covalently bonded Inorganic Compounds •Do not contain carbon and hydrogen together •Is not made from living matter •Examples: •NaCl - salt •H2O - water •CO2 - carbon dioxide Criteria for Organic Compounds •Contain carbon (C) •Carbons bond to one another and other elements (especially H, O, N) •Covalent bond (share electrons) •Form small molecules called monomers Monomers and Polymers •Monomers = building blocks (units) •MONO means “one” •Polymers = a large molecule made of monomers •POLY means “many” Simplest of the Organic Compounds •Hydrocarbons - made from dead plants and made of only H and C •Function – used as fuel for combustion in heating and motor fuel applications •Examples – methane, ethane, propane, butane Four Main Groups of Organic Compounds 1.Carbohydrates 2.Lipids 3.Proteins 4.Nucleic Acids Carbohydrates •Composed of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen (CHO) •Function - Cells use carbohydrates to get and store energy •Examples – Glucose - fruit, vegetables, starches (bread, pasta) Lipids (Fats) •Composed of the elements Carbon, Hydrogen, and Oxygen (CHO) •Function – unused food/energy is stored in the body as fat (lipids). When fat is broken down, it provides energy for living things. •Examples – cholesterol, nuts, avocados, butter/oil, waxes Proteins •Large molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulfur (CHONS) •Function •Build organelles (cell part) •Needed for tissue growth and repair •Defends against illness •Examples – meat, fish, eggs, milk, keratin in hair and nails Nucleic Acids •Long, repeating chains made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur and phosphorus. (CHONPS) •Function – stores genetic information (DNA) and information for cells to create proteins (RNA) •Examples – DNA, RNA Comments are closed.
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Erik E. Mason
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