Organic Compounds Flashcards

Organic Compounds Overview

• Compounds consist of atoms from two or more different elements connected by chemical bonds.

Types of Compounds

• Organic Compounds: Contain carbon-carbon bonds; major types include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
• Inorganic Compounds: Lack carbon; examples include water and sodium chloride (NaCl).

Major Classes of Organic Compounds

• Lipids: Energy-dense compounds formed from carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, including fats, oils, and waxes.
• Carbohydrates: Composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; examples include glucose, starch, and cellulose (fiber).
• Proteins: Made from amino acids; essential for various bodily functions.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA, key to genetic information and cellular instructions.

Elements and Their Importance

• Element: A pure substance that cannot be chemically broken down into simpler substances.

Functions of Organic Compounds

• Carbohydrates: Primary quick energy source, provide structural support in plant cell walls.
• Lipids: Function in energy storage, cell membrane formation, insulation, and organ protection.
• Proteins: Structural components of cells, act as enzymes to catalyze biochemical reactions.

Enzymes

• Proteins that accelerate chemical reactions within cells.

Food Sources for Organic Compounds

• Starch Sources: Found in pasta, bread, potatoes, corn, and rice.
• Protein Sources: Present in meats, dairy, eggs, nuts, beans, and soy.
• Fat Sources: Include meats, dairy, vegetable oils, butter, fried, and processed foods.
• Fiber Sources: Available in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.

Components of Organic Compounds

• Monomer of Carbohydrates: Simple sugars (monosaccharides) such as glucose.
• Monomers of Lipids: Glycerol and fatty acids.
• Monomer of Proteins: Amino acids, building blocks for protein synthesis.
• Monomer of Nucleic Acids: Nucleotide units that make up DNA and RNA.

Types of Carbohydrates

• Monosaccharides: Single sugar units, e.g., glucose and fructose.
• Disaccharides: Formed from two monosaccharides, examples include sucrose and lactose.
• Polysaccharides: Complex carbs formed from multiple monosaccharides, such as cellulose, starch, and glycogen.

Examples by Compound Type

• Carbohydrates: Sugar, starch, cellulose.
• Lipids: Fats, oils, waxes, and cholesterol.
• Proteins: Enzymes (like lactase), hemoglobin, keratin.
• Nucleic Acids: DNA and RNA.

Test your knowledge with these flashcards on organic and inorganic compounds. Learn key definitions and classifications essential for understanding chemistry. Perfect for beginners and those refreshing their knowledge in organic chemistry.