Organic Compounds

What is a Compound?
A compound is any molecule that is made of two or more different elements.
What is an Element?
An element is any substance that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. The smallest unit of an element is an atom.

Carbon is an element and is represented by the letter C
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic Acids are compounds made of long, repeating chains called nucleotides. They are made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. (CHONP)
Function: Used to store genetic information.
Examples: DNA and RNA
Carbohydrates
made of (and break down into) sugars

Can be simple (glucose) or complex (starch)

energy-rich compounds made from the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. (CHO)
Lipids
Store energy

Fats, oils and waxes

Made of CHO
Proteins
Made of (and break down into) amino acids

Used for growth and repair of body tissues

Large molecules made of CHONS
What is an Organic Compound?
Organic Compounds contain organic carbon and hydrogen and come from living or once living things.
Fats
Proteins
Nucleic Acids
Carbohydrates
Carbon compounds in living things include:
Life as we know it is carbon based.
Carbon Compounds
Why?
A carbon atom can form chemical bonds with other carbon atoms in long chains or rings.
What are the 6 elements most living things are made of?
CHONPS:
Organic Compounds
H2SO4
NaCl
H2O
What is an Inorganic Compound?
Inorganic compounds do not contain organic carbon.
Examples: Water, Salt, and acids like sulfuric acid
C arbon
H ydrogen
O xygen
N itrogen
P hosphorus
S ulfur