No matter what type of food your culture enjoys, they are all made up of the same type of molecules which are called ORGANIC MOLECULES

Directions:

Step 1) Read the assigned article below.

Step 2) Answer the below questions in your notes:

a) What makes a molecule organic?

b)What is the purpose/function of the four macromolecules in the body?

c) What are the building blocks of the four macromolecules?

d) In what foods do you find the the four macromolecules?

The Four Macromolecules Essential for Life

Living things depend on four major macromolecules—carbohydrates, proteins, fats/lipids, and nucleic acids—to carry out life processes. These large molecules help organisms grow, repair tissues, store energy, and pass on genetic information. Although each macromolecule has its own unique function, all of them are built from smaller repeating units called building blocks that connect to form larger structures. The foods we eat supply these building blocks, which the body rearranges into the molecules needed for survival.

All four macromolecules are considered organic molecules. A molecule is organic if it contains carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen atoms. These carbon–hydrogen bonds allow molecules to form complex shapes, chains, and rings that living things depend on. In contrast, inorganic molecules—such as water, oxygen gas, and table salt—do not contain carbon–hydrogen bonds. Even though living things rely on both organic and inorganic molecules, the four major macromolecules are all organic because of their carbon-based structures.

Carbohydrates serve as one of the body’s main sources of quick energy. Their building blocks are simple sugars, including glucose, which cells can use immediately for energy. When many glucose molecules link together, they form larger carbohydrates like starch. Humans obtain carbohydrates from foods such as fruits, vegetables, pasta, bread, cereals, rice, and other grains. During digestion, these foods are broken down into glucose that cells use for immediate fuel or store for short-term energy.

Proteins play a central role in building and repairing body tissues, creating enzymes that speed up chemical reactions, and forming structures such as hair, nails, and muscle fibers. The building blocks of proteins are amino acids, which connect in long chains that fold into complex shapes. Foods like meat, fish, eggs, dairy products, nuts, beans, and legumes supply the amino acids needed for protein formation. Because the body cannot make some amino acids on its own, eating a variety of protein-rich foods is necessary for maintaining healthy cells and carrying out essential functions.

Fats/lipids provide long-term energy storage, protect organs, help insulate the body, and form major parts of cell membranes. The building blocks of fats/lipids are fatty acids. Humans consume fats/lipids through foods such as oils, butter, cheese, avocados, nuts, seeds, and fatty meats. In addition to storing energy for later use, fats/lipids help the body absorb fat-soluble vitamins and maintain flexible, healthy cell membranes.

Nucleic acids, which include DNA and RNA, store and transmit genetic information used to build proteins and control cell activities. Their building blocks are nucleotides, which link together to form long strands carrying genetic instructions. Although nucleic acids are not eaten for energy, they are present in all foods that come from living organisms—such as fruits, vegetables, meats, grains, and anything made from plants or animals. When digested, their nucleotides can be reused by our own cells to make new DNA and RNA.