Chemical Compounds in Cells

Elements An element is any substance that cannot be

broken down into simpler substances. The smallest unit of an element is an atom. Example of an element is carbon.

Compounds A compound is two or more elements that

are chemically combined. The smallest unit of a compound is a

molecule. An example of a compound is water.

Organic and Inorganic Compounds Inorganic compounds do not contain

carbon.

Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen and usually are associated with living things.

Four groups of Organic Compounds

Carbohydrates Lipids Proteins Nucleic Acids

Carbohydrates Made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Supply energy for cell processes, form plant structures;

short-term energy storage Sugars-fruits, starch-pasta, and cellulose-found in cell

walls of plants

Lipids Made of the elements carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen Store large amounts of energy long term; form

boundaries around cells Fats, oils, waxes, phospholipids, and cholesterol

Proteins Made of the elements carbon, oxygen, hydrogen,

nitrogen,and sulfur Regulate cell processes and build cell structures Enzymes, skin, and hair

Nucleic Acids Made of the elements carbon, oxygen, hydrogen,

nitrogen, and phosphorus Carry hereditary information; used to make proteins DNA and RNA