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Chemical Elements

  • The majority of molecules found in living organisms can be classified into three main categories: carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids.
  • All of these molecular groups contain carbon and are therefore categorized as organic molecules.

Chemicals & Life | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Large Molecules are Made from Smaller Molecules

Carbohydrates

  • Carbohydrates are composed of long chains of simple sugars.
  • Glucose, a monosaccharide, is an example of a simple sugar.
  • The combination of two glucose molecules forms maltose, a disaccharide.
  • When numerous glucose molecules link together, they can form complex carbohydrates such as starch, glycogen, or cellulose, which are polysaccharides.

Chemicals & Life | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Fats

  • Most fats (lipids) in the body are made up of triglycerides
  • Their basic unit is 1 glycerol molecule chemically bonded to 3 fatty acid chains
  • The fatty acids vary in size and structure
  • Lipids are divided into fats (solids at room temperature) and oils (liquids at room temperature)

Chemicals & Life | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Proteins

  • Triglycerides consist of long chains of amino acids.
  • There are approximately 20 different types of amino acids.
  • All amino acids share a common basic structure, but each has a unique 'R' group.
  • Formation of proteins occurs when amino acids bond together.
  • Amino acids can be sequenced in various orders, resulting in diverse proteins.
  • Even a slight variance in amino acid sequence leads to the creation of a distinct protein.

Chemicals & Life | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11Chemicals & Life | Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

Question for Chemicals & Life
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Which category of molecules contains long chains of simple sugars?
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FAQs on Chemicals & Life - Biology for GCSE/IGCSE - Year 11

1. What are the chemical elements that make up large molecules in living organisms?
Ans. Large molecules in living organisms are made up of chemical elements such as carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus.
2. How are large molecules formed from smaller molecules in biological systems?
Ans. Large molecules are formed from smaller molecules through chemical reactions such as condensation reactions, where water is released, and polymerization, where smaller molecules called monomers join together to form polymers.
3. What is the structure of a triglyceride molecule and what is its function in living organisms?
Ans. A triglyceride molecule consists of a glycerol molecule bonded to three fatty acid molecules. Triglycerides serve as energy storage molecules and provide insulation and protection for organs in living organisms.
4. Can you explain the general structure of an amino acid and how amino acids join together to form proteins?
Ans. Amino acids consist of a central carbon atom bonded to an amine group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group. Amino acids join together through peptide bonds to form proteins, with the amine group of one amino acid bonding to the carboxyl group of another.
5. How do the chemicals mentioned in the article contribute to the functioning of living organisms?
Ans. The chemicals mentioned, such as triglycerides, amino acids, and proteins, play essential roles in the structure, energy storage, and functioning of living organisms. Triglycerides provide long-term energy storage, while amino acids and proteins are crucial for various biological processes, including enzyme catalysis, structural support, and transport of molecules.
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