4+Biomolecules

Chemistry of Life - Sec 6.1
In order to gain an understanding of all living organisms we need to gain a firm understanding of four important macromolecules. The prefix -macro means big so we are talking about big molecules. But before we study the big molecules we must understand what molecules are, what they are made of, and why they do what they do.

Our text calls Section 6.1 of your book the Chemistry of Life so we will stick with that description. You learn some basic information about the makeup of all elements on earth from which all living things are made. You will learn how and why these elements form bonds and several different types of bonds.

Objectives: Name the 3 subatomic particles and their charges Recall the maximum number of electrons allowed in each energy level. Describe make the make-up of an atom's nucleus and what influences its size. Define what an ion is. Distinguish between covalent, ionic, hydrogen, and peptide bonds



**The Four Major Biomolecules**
In Section 6.1 we did a review of basic chemistry, the elements, molecules, etc. We will now take that information to learn about the four major Biomolecules. Unlike small ionic compounds or covalently bonded molecules, biomolecules are big.

To learn all about their structure, function, and importance we are going to use the attachment below as our notes (see 4 Biomolecules Notes. doc).
Objectives: Classify organic compounds based on a written description, example, or image. Compare the chemical structures of carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. Relate the importance of biomolecule to living things.