Structure and Function of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are based on the carbon atom due to its ability to form strong covalent bonds with other atoms, including itself, which allows the creation of long chains and complex structures.
The main types of organic molecules include carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.
Carbohydrates are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They serve as a primary source of energy, with glucose being a key example.
There are three types of carbohydrates: monosaccharides (single sugar molecules like glucose), disaccharides (two sugar molecules bonded together like sucrose), and polysaccharides (multiple sugar molecules bonded together like starch).
Lipids, also known as fats and oils, are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. They are used for long-term energy storage, insulation, protection, and in the composition of cell membranes, among other functions.
Proteins, which are composed of carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen, are the building blocks of the body. They are responsible for the growth, repair, and maintenance of body tissues.
Proteins are polymers of amino acids. There are 20 different types of amino acids that can be combined in various sequences to form a protein. The shape and function of a protein are determined by the sequence of its amino acid chain.
Nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, are involved in the storage and transmission of genetic information. They are composed of nucleotides, which consist of a sugar, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base.
In DNA, adenine (A) always pairs with thymine (T), and guanine (G) always pairs with cytosine (C), forming a double helix structure. RNA also uses these pairings, but replaces thymine with uracil (U).
Each type of organic molecule can be broken down through various processes in the body to supply energy and materials for bodily functions.
Understanding how these molecules are structured and function is crucial for understanding various processes in the body and has applications in health and social care, such as understanding disease processes, dietary needs, and pharmacology.
Enzymes, special types of proteins, are biological catalysts that speed up chemical reactions in cells. They have specific active sites that match the shape of certain molecules (substrates), allowing them to combine or break apart molecules during reactions. Misshaped or destroyed active sites can lead to enzyme malfunction and diseases.