Unit 3 Target 4: Organic Compounds

The chemical formula C6H12O6 represents an organic molecule. This formula represents glucose, which is a simple sugar and an organic compound. Organic molecules are compounds that contain carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms, and they are typically found in living organisms. Glucose is an important organic molecule as it is a primary source of energy for many organisms.

The main difference between organic compounds and inorganic compounds is that organic compounds contain carbon. Carbon is a unique element that has the ability to form covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, as well as with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and phosphorus. This property allows carbon to form complex and diverse molecular structures, which are essential for the formation of living organisms. In contrast, inorganic compounds do not contain carbon and are typically simpler in structure.

A monosaccharide is a type of carbohydrate. Carbohydrates are organic compounds that consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrates and are commonly referred to as simple sugars. They are the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates such as disaccharides and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides play a crucial role in providing energy to the body and are found in various foods such as fruits, vegetables, and honey.

Steroids are not examples of carbohydrates because they are a type of lipid. Carbohydrates are organic compounds made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, while steroids are composed of four fused carbon rings. Glucose, cellulose, and glycogen are all examples of carbohydrates as they are composed of chains or rings of sugar molecules.

Proteins are made up of long chains of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and are linked together through peptide bonds to form polypeptide chains. Each amino acid has a specific side chain that determines its unique properties. These chains can fold and interact with each other to create complex three-dimensional structures, enabling proteins to carry out a wide range of functions in the body. Monosaccharides are simple sugars, fatty acids are the building blocks of lipids, and nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids, not proteins.

Nucleotides are the monomers found in nucleic acids. Nucleic acids, such as DNA and RNA, are made up of long chains of nucleotides. Each nucleotide consists of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. These nucleotides link together through phosphodiester bonds to form the backbone of the nucleic acid molecule. Therefore, nucleotides are the building blocks or monomers that make up nucleic acids. Monosaccharides are the monomers of carbohydrates, amino acids are the monomers of proteins, and steroids are a type of lipid.

Lipids are nonpolar molecules because they consist of long hydrocarbon chains that are hydrophobic, meaning they repel water. Unlike polar molecules, lipids do not have a charge separation and do not dissolve in water. Instead, lipids tend to aggregate together and form structures such as cell membranes.

Glycogen is the correct answer because it is a polysaccharide that is used to store glucose in animals. It is a highly branched molecule made up of glucose units and serves as a form of energy storage in the liver and muscles. When blood glucose levels are high, excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored for later use. When energy is needed, glycogen is broken down back into glucose to provide a quick and readily available source of energy for the body.

DNA is not a polymer made of amino acids. It is a polymer made of nucleotides. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, not DNA.

Proteins are polymers made up of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and they are linked together through peptide bonds to form long chains. Proteins have various functions in the body, including structural support, enzymatic activity, and transportation of molecules.

Nucleic acids are not made of amino acids, they are made of nucleotides. A nucleotide is composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. Amino acids, on the other hand, are the building blocks of proteins. Therefore, the statement "Nucleic acids are a polymer made of amino acids" is false.

Lipids are the best molecule for long-term energy storage in a cell. Unlike proteins and polysaccharides, lipids have a high energy density, meaning they can store a large amount of energy in a small space. Additionally, lipids are hydrophobic, which allows them to be stored without attracting water and increasing cell volume. Monosaccharides, on the other hand, are more commonly used for immediate energy needs rather than long-term storage.

Proteins are macromolecules that perform various functions in the body. They are involved in speeding up chemical reactions in cells by acting as enzymes. Proteins also play a crucial role in building tissues such as bone, muscle, and blood. Additionally, they are responsible for transporting substances like oxygen and nutrients throughout the body. However, proteins do not store and transmit genetic information. This function is carried out by nucleic acids, specifically DNA and RNA. These molecules contain the genetic code that determines an organism's traits and characteristics.

Protein is not a monomer because it is made up of multiple amino acids bonded together. Monomers are the building blocks of larger molecules, and in the case of proteins, the monomers are amino acids. Nucleotide, amino acid, and monosaccharide are all examples of monomers because they are the individual units that make up nucleic acids, proteins, and carbohydrates respectively.

Animals store glucose in the form of glycogen. Glycogen is a complex carbohydrate that serves as the primary storage form of glucose in animals. It is stored in the liver and muscles and can be broken down into glucose when energy is needed. Glycogen acts as a readily available energy source and helps maintain blood sugar levels in animals. Unlike wax, lipids, and cellulose, glycogen is specifically designed for energy storage and utilization in animals.

Proteins and nucleic acids are both composed of amino acids, which contain nitrogen. Carbohydrates and lipids, on the other hand, are primarily made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Nitrogen is an essential element for the structure and function of proteins and nucleic acids, as it is found in the amino groups of amino acids and the nitrogenous bases of nucleotides. Therefore, nitrogen is expected to be present in proteins and nucleic acids but not in carbohydrates or lipids.

Glucose is a monosaccharide, not a polysaccharide. Polysaccharides are complex carbohydrates made up of many monosaccharide units bonded together, while glucose is a simple sugar and the most basic form of carbohydrate. It is a source of energy for the cell and is classified as a monosaccharide.

Starch is not a lipid because it is a complex carbohydrate made up of long chains of glucose molecules. Lipids, on the other hand, are organic compounds that are insoluble in water but soluble in organic solvents. They include substances such as earwax, cholesterol, and saturated fats.