Carbon Compounds

Learning Objectives
▪ Identify the elements that carbon bonds with to make up
life’s molecules.
▪ Explain the functions of each of the four groups of
macromolecules.
The Chemistry of Carbon

Chain Ring Branching chain

Carbon can form single, double, or triple bonds with other atoms. Each line
between atoms in a molecular drawing represents one covalent bond.
Macromolecules
Macromolecules are large organic molecules found in living things.

Monomers

Polymer
Carbohydrates
Living things use carbohydrates as sources of energy and for
structural purposes.

Polymer

Polysaccharide

Monomer

Monosaccharide

Ratio
1:2:1 E.g., C6H12O6
Starch and Cellulose
Strength and rigidity
Lipids Fats, oils, waxes

Lipids are a large and

varied group of
macromolecules that are
not generally soluble in
water.
Unsaturated

Lipids can be used to store

energy, and they form important
parts of biological membranes
and waterproof coverings
Nucleic Acids
Nucleic acids are polymers made of nucleotide monomers.

5-carbon Nucleotide
 Nucleic acids store and transmit
Two types of nucleic acids hereditary, or genetic, information

Deoxyribonucleic acid Ribonucleic acid

Deoxyribose sugar Ribose sugar
Proteins
Proteins are polymers made of amino acid monomers.
Amino group: - NH2
Carboxyl group: - COOH

Amino group Carboxyl group

Peptide
bond
Protein Structure
A protein is a functional molecule built from one or more
polypeptides.