College of Arts and Sciences Education

General Education - Science

2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Big Picture in Focus

ULO-c. Cite the importance of the chemical basis (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids,
and vitamins) of living things.

METALANGUAGE

In this segment, the important terminologies related to the Chemical Basis of Life, as
denoted in the ULO-c, will be operationally and theoretically defined to establish a collective
understanding needed to discuss the topics. You will encounter these vocabularies as we go
through the details of chemical basis (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins) of living
things. Please refer to these definitions when you have difficulty in understanding some
concepts.

1. Chemical Basis of Life

The compositions of cells are made up of atoms that are bonded to form biomolecules,
which we consider macromolecules. These substances are the vital components of
living things: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These mentioned
organic compounds are primarily made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen
atoms, bonded in various proportions forming all the different molecules that make up
all organisms.

2. Carbohydrate
These are organic compounds, primarily made up of carbon-hydrogen backbone, which
are found and produced by plants from photosynthesis. The primary ratio of carbon and
hydrogen is 2:1 that can be decomposed to form energy. The empirical formula for
carbohydrates is CH2O.

3. Proteins
These nitrogenous organic molecules are the main component of the structure of body
tissue, such as the muscle, hormones, enzymes, hair, nails, and many more. Proteins
are made up of polymers of amino acid, forming large molecules.

4. Lipids
These macromolecules are insoluble to water but dissolve mainly in organic solvents
such as alcohol and acetone. Lipids are organic compounds that are made up of fatty
acids and glycerol.

5. Nucleic Acids
These biomolecules are made up of a long chain of nucleotides that are found inside
the cell. DNA and RNA are the common nucleic acids that primarily involved in the
storage and transmission of genetic materials.

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

In this portion, you will accomplish the Unit Learning Outcomes stipulated in the Big
Picture. This will be done for the first three weeks of this course. Your understanding of the
following concepts is essential to proceed with successive topics. You may refer to other
available references to explore more on the subjects. Thus, you are expected to utilize other
books, research articles, and other available resources in the university’s library, e.g., ebrary,
search. proquest.com, etc.

LECTURE

The Chemical Basis of Life

Living things are made up of cells, which is the basic unit of life. The compositions of
cells are made up of atoms that are bonded to form biomolecules, which we considered as
macromolecules. These substances are the vital components of the living things, which are the
carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. These mentioned organic compounds are
primarily made up of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen atoms, which are bonded in
various proportions forming all the different molecules that made up all organisms.

Figure 1. Elements in Human Bodies (by % mass)

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 College of Arts and Sciences Education
General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Review on Basic Concept of Chemistry

A. Atomic Structure

Atom is the simplest form of all matter, which can be represented by an element.
An element is a substance that cannot be broken down. Thus, atoms make up elements.
The charges for each atom particle contain the proton (positive +), neutron (no charge),
and electron (negative -). The number of protons in an atom is called the atomic
number. The atom's mass number is equal to the total number of protons and neutrons
of the atom. The nucleus contains protons and neutrons. The electrons of an atom are
orbiting around the nucleus. Electrons have 1/1820, the mass of a proton or neutron.
These electrons move in a "cloud" around the nucleus. Electrons always move in energy
levels, which electrons in outer levels have more energy. Stable atoms have their energy
levels full of electrons. The number of electrons needed to fill each level is 2 for the
first energy level and 8 for each higher level. Atoms share electrons with other atoms
for it to be stable.

Figure 2 . Structure of Atoms

B. Elements and Compounds

Elements are atoms that cannot be broken down into simpler substances. There
are 92 naturally occurring elements. These elements combine to make compounds like
letters of the alphabet that can be constructed into words. Compounds must be composed
of 2 or more different elements. The properties of a compound are different from those of
its elements. A molecule is the simplest part of a substance that retains its properties and
can exist in a free state. Compounds classified into two categories: Organic Compounds
that are made mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. However, inorganic Compounds do
not contain carbon atoms.

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2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Figure 3. The Periodic Table of Elements

Chemical Bonds : Ionic and Covalent Bonds

Chemical bonds are two or more atoms sharing one or more pairs of electrons. Atoms
are most stable when each energy level is filled with the maximum number of particles. Atoms
that gain electrons have a negative charge, while atoms that lose electrons have a positive
charge. An ion is an atom that gave up or gained an electron when reacted to another atom.
Opposite charges attract each other. For instance, the Na+ and Cl- attract each other because
they have different charges, they can form an Ionic bond, Na+Cl- or Table Salt.

Covalent bonds involve the sharing of the valence electrons. Atoms form covalent
bonds to become more stable. Molecules are atoms held together with covalent bonds.

Figure 4. Illustration of Covalent Bond - Carbon dioxide (CO2 )

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A single covalent bond is formed when one pair of electrons is shared, double bond
for the two couples, and triple bond for the three pairs of the electron.

Figure 5: Types of Covalent Bond A. Single bond, B. Double bond, and C. Triple bond
A
Hydrogen molecule (H2)

H + H H2

B
Oxygen molecule (O2)

O + O O2

C
Nitrogen molecule (N2)

N + N N2

Biomolecules

There are two significant characteristics of the chemistry of life: Living things always
contain organic molecules and are made mostly composed of water, which is an inorganic
compound. Organic molecules are molecules that exist in all living things. They are life’s
building blocks. All things are formed from these organic molecules. Organic compounds are
substances that are made mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms which are covalently bonded.
They are usually large, unique molecules with complex functions.

Foods we eat do not contain direct energy that our cells can use. Food must be digested
first. Digestion breaks down food into smaller molecules like carbohydrates, lipids, and
proteins that our cells use to make ATP. The number of ATP molecules produced depends on
the type of food you eat.

Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen,

with the ratio of 1:2:1. This type of molecule is generally used by your body to make ATP. The
subunit of carbohydrates is sugar or glucose. One molecule of glucose can produce 36 – 38
ATPs. Carbohydrates function as quick energy and energy storage for the body. It also served
as a structure, such as a cell wall and the plants’ fibers. Good sources of carbohydrates can be
found in pasta, potatoes, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains (bread).

Monosaccharides are usually made of 5 or 6 carbon atoms with an empirical formula

of CH2O. All simple sugars have the same formula but have different structures for different

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Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

properties. The three simple sugars are Glucose, Galactose, and Fructose. Glucose (sugar) is
the primary source of energy for cells. It is also referred to as blood sugar. The fructose is the
sweetest sugar that is found in fruits. Lastly, the galactose which is the basic milk sugar.

Figure 6. Structure of Glucose

Lipids are a type of organic molecules which comprises of fats and oils. It is considered
as long-term storage of energy in the body. The basic unit of lipids is fatty acid and glycerol.
The fatty acid, which is the primary building block of lipids, is composed of a chain of carbons
with hydrogen-bonded to each side. Some examples of lipids are fats, oils, waxes, and
hormones. The functional uses of Lipids involve long term energy storage, twice the energy as
carbohydrates. They are the main component of the cell membrane. They cushion organs and

Disaccharides are composed of two monosaccharides formed by a condensation

reaction or the water-released reaction. There are three disaccharides, namely;
Maltose (Glucose and Glucose), Sucrose (Fructose and Glucose), and Lactose (Galactose and
Glucose)

Figure 7. Structure of the Disaccharides

Polysaccharides are saccharides with three or more (many) combinations of sugar

molecules. It is a polymer of sugar molecules. These are stored in animals as glycogen. Plants
store sugar as starch and cellulose. It can also be found on the lining of the exoskeleton
as chitin.

Lipids
insulates the body.

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Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Saturated fats have two carbons bonded to each carbon (except the one at the end),
forming single bonds. They are unhealthy fats commonly from animal sources. These fats are
solid at room temperature. You should limit the amount of these fats in your diet because it can
contribute to heart disease and deposits in arteries, narrowing blood vessels that increase blood
flow pressure.

Meanwhile, Unsaturated fats have double bonds that lack at least one hydrogen, forming
kinked or bent in shape. These fats are healthy because the fat molecules don't stack tightly
together. They are liquid at room temperature. Thus, a better choice in your diet. The sound
sources of unsaturated fats are the plant, vegetable & fish fats.

Proteins

Proteins are organic compounds composed mainly of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen and
nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur. Proteins are polymers of amino acids, which is the subunit of
this molecule. The Amino acids build proteins. When you eat protein, it's broken down into
many amino acids and transported throughout your body through your blood. Your cells pick
and choose the amino acids that they need to make new body tissues, blood cells, enzymes,
hormones, and other vital parts of the body. There are about 20 different kinds of amino acids.
These amino acids consist of five separate sections: a central carbon atom, a carboxyl group (-
COOH), an amino group (-NH2), hydrogen, and an "R" group. The only difference in the 20
kinds of amino acids is the "R" group. Some "R" groups are tiny, others are large, and others
form chains and rings. The sequence and shapes of the "R" groups control the way and function
of the protein.

We need proteins for the structure (our muscles, hair, nails, cell membranes, defense
(antibodies), blood (hemoglobin transports oxygen), brain & nerve function, enzyme, and to
make other proteins. Good sources of protein are grains, beans, fish and meat, nuts and seeds,
eggs and dairy, and vegetables.

Nucleic Acids

Nucleic acids are a class of organic molecules that involve the genetic materials, DNA,
and RNA. The Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA) is the blueprint of living things, for it controls
the instructions on how to make proteins in the body. Each person's DNA is exclusive, which
means that every individual has a unique set of proteins. Thus everyone has appearances and
acts differently. The Ribonucleic acids (RNA) generates a template of DNA to be constructed
outside of the nucleus in the cytoplasm. The RNA is vital to convey the codes from DNA to
the ribosomes where the protein is made.

The monomer or the sub-unit of nucleic acids is the nucleotide. The nucleic acids are
fashioned from the series of long nucleotides. Nucleotides are composed of three parts:
a pentose, a five-carbon sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogen base.

The arrangement of DNA looks like that of a twisted ladder called a "double
helix." The backbone of the DNA structure is made of pentose sugars, called deoxyribose,
and phosphates. The arrangement is alternating sugar-phosphate and sugar-phosphate. The

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inside structure of the ladder is consisted of four kinds of nitrogenous-bases, with one base
attaching to the sugar part. The four nitrogenous bases are Adenine (A), Thymine (T), Cytosine
(C), and Guanine (G). The double helix bond together by the nitrogen-containing bases: from
one strand to the bases and the other strand's bases, forming rings. The bases bonded to a precise
manner, Adenine always bind to Thymine, and Cytosine always attaches to Guanine.

RNA differs from DNA, where the sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, the sugar in RNA is
ribose. Another thing, DNA is a double helix, while RNA has one strand. Moreover, the bases
in DNA are C, G, A, and T. In RNA, the bases are C, G, A, and U. The Uracil (U) in RNA,
and takes the place of the Thymine (T) in DNA. Lastly, DNA is contained in the cell's nucleus,
while RNA can enter and exit the nucleus.

Vitamins and Minerals

A vitamin is an organic compound and a vital nutrient that an organism requires in

limited amounts. These are complex substances that regulate body processes. They are also
coenzymes or partner with enzymes in the essential metabolic reactions in the body. These
substances have no calories. Thus they are not a source of energy.

The Categories of Vitamins

Fat –Soluble Water -Soluble

Dissolve in fat and oil. Dissolve in water.

It can be stored in the body. It is carried in bloodstream, thus
cannot be stored in the body.

A, D , E, K C and B-complex vitamins

A and D excess can be harmful to the Excess amounts can be excreted and
body, while E and K usually not. may cause extra work on kidneys

Some important Vitamins and its functions:

1. Vitamin A (and - Normal vision

carotenoids)
2. Vitamin D (the sunshine
vitamin)
3. Vitamin E (tocopherol)
- Protects from infections
- Regulates immune system
- Antioxidant (carotenoids)
- Promotes absorption of calcium and
phosphorus
- Helps deposit those in bones/teeth
- Regulates cell growth
- Plays role in immunity
- Antioxidant, may lower risk for heart disease
and stroke, some types of cancers
- Protects fatty acids and vitamin A

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Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

4. Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) - Helps produce collagen (connective tissue in

5. Vitamin B- complex
bones, muscles, etc)
- Keeps capillary walls, blood vessels firm
- Helps body absorb iron and folate
- Healthy gums
- Helps produce energy from carbs
- Helps body use sugars/fatty acids
- Helps enzymes function normally
- Helps body make non-essential amino acids
- Helps turn tryptophan into niacin and serotonin
- Help produce body chemicals (insulin,
hemoglobin, etc)

Categories of Minerals

Major Minerals Trace Minerals

- Calcium - Chromium
- Phosphorus - Copper
- Magnesium - Flouride
- Electrolytes (sodium, - Iodine
chloride, potassium) - Iron
- Manganese
- Selenium
- Zinc

1. Calcium - Bone building

- Muscle contraction
- Heart rate
- Nerve function
- Helps blood clot

2. Phosphorus - Generates energy

- Regulate energy metabolism
- Component of bones, teeth
- Part of DNA, RNA (cell growth, repair)
- Almost all foods, especially protein-rich foods,
contain phosphorus
3. Magnesium - Part of 300 enzymes (regulates body functions)

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- Maintains cells in nerves, muscles

- Component of bones
- Best sources are legumes, nuts, and whole grains

4. Potassium - Maintains blood pressure

- Nerve impulses and muscle contraction
5. Sodium salt - Fluid balance
- Muscles relax, transmit nerve impulses
- Regulates blood pressure
6. Iron - Contained in hemoglobin in the red blood cells.
- Essential component in the transfer of oxygen in the
body.
7. Iodine - An element require in small amounts for healthy
growth and development.
- It is essential in formation of thyroid hormone.

Performance Task/ Laboratory Activities (Instructions and procedures will

be provided by the subject teacher.)
Laboratory Activity # 5
Laboratory Activity # 6

You can also refer to the sources below to help you further understand
the lesson:

• Mason, Kenneth A. (2017). Biology (11th edition). New York, NY
McGraw-Hill Educ.
• Johnson, George B. (2017). Essentials to the living world. New York, NY
McGraw-Hill Educ. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
• Biology Laboratory Manual
• Starr, Cecie (2015). Biology: A Human Emphasis (9th edition). Australia
Cengage. Learning. https://ebookcentral.proquest.com
• Biomolecules https://youtu.be/FgfknBZaVTI
• Macromolecules https://youtu.be/coXiw7h3YmU
• Metabolism and Nutrition (Part 1) https://youtu.be/fR3NxCR9z2U and
https://youtu.be/kb146Y1igTQ (Part 2)

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Since you already know the essential concepts in the study of the chemical basis
(carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and vitamins) of living things. Let us determine your
understanding of the ideas presented in the unit content by answering the following:

Activity 1

Read through each number and answer the following questions

1. What are the four categories of organic molecules and their building block which
form the basis of all living things?
a. -
b. -
c. -
d. -

1. Which element is the basis of all organic molecules?

2. What is a monosaccharide?

3. How does a polysaccharide differ from a disaccharide?

4. What saccharide is stored in plants?

5. What saccharide is stored in animals?

6. What are the used of cellulose?

7. Give two specific examples of lipids.

8. What is an unsaturated fatty acid?

9. What is a saturated fatty acid?

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Activity 2
Modified True or False.
Write T if the statement is correct. If you considered the statement is wrong, write the word
or group of words to make it right.

1. Proteins are inorganic molecules that form muscles and transport Oxygen
(hemoglobin) in the blood.
2. Proteins determine how our bodies look and function.
3. Amino acid is the building block of the Lipids.
4. Proteins are made of basic units linked by a hydrogen bond.
5. There are about 20 different kinds of amino acids.
6. Fatty acids consist of five separate parts: a central carbon atom, a
carboxyl group (-COOH), an amino group (-NH2), hydrogen, and an "R‟ group.
7. The sequence and shapes of the “Radical” groups control the shape and
function of the protein.
8. DNA is the blueprint of life because it contains instructions on how to
make hormones in the body.
9. The RNA is necessary to carry the instructions from DNA to the
cytoplasm where the protein is made.
10. All nucleic acids are formed from a series of the nucleotides.
11. Nucleotides consist of three parts: a hexose, a phosphate group and a
nitrogen base.
12. The backbone of the DNA ladder is made from alternating sugars, called
deoxyribose, and nitrogenous bases.
13.The four nitrogen containing bases of RNA are: Adenine (A), Thymine
(T), Cytosine (C), and Guanine (G).
14. The sugar in DNA is deoxyribose, while the sugar in RNA is ribose.
15. The Uracil in RNA takes the place of the Cytosine in DNA.

Activity 1.
In this activity, you are expected to give a detailed explanation of your answer to the
following questions.

1. How are organic molecules related to all living things?

_
_
_

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Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

2. Distinguish the four common characteristics of all organic molecules?

_
_
_

3. Why should an athlete need to eat heavy dinner before a competition?
_
_
_



Activity 1. Based on the discussion of the essential concepts on the Chemical Basis
of Life and several assessments you have done, what do you think are the three
most significant lessons you have learned. Write your answers below.

1. _
_
_

2. _
_
_

3. _
_
_

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General Education - Science
2nd Floor, DPT Building, Matina Campus, Davao City
Phone No.: (082)300-5456/305-0647 Local 134

Do you have any questions for clarification?
Questions/Issues Answers

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Chemical Basis of Life Organic compound Carbohydrates

Proteins Nucleic Acids Lipids

Polymers Vitamins Amino Acids

Fatty acids Minerals Dehydration Process

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