Chemistry of Life

Detailed Objectives:

4.1 Understand how biological molecules are essential to the survival of living organisms

4.1.1 Compare the structures and functions of the major biological molecules (carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids) as related to the survival of living organisms.

Unpacking:

Compare the structure and function of each of the listed organic molecules in organisms:

• Carbohydrates (glucose, cellulose, starch, glycogen)

• Proteins (insulin, enzymes, hemoglobin)

• Lipids (phospholipids, steroids)

• Nucleic Acids (DNA, RNA)

4.1.3 Explain how enzymes act as catalysts for biological reactions.

Unpacking:

Develop a cause and effect model for specificity of enzymes - the folding produces a 3-D shape that is linked to the protein function, enzymes are proteins that speed up chemical reactions (catalysts) by lowering the activation energy, are re-usable and specific, and are affected by such factors as pH and temperature.