Organic Molecules

Carbon

The element carbon is a part of the cells of all organisms on earth. Carbon has the ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, allowing it to build complex and diverse molecules. The other main elements contained in the cells of organisms, or the elements to which carbon bonds forming organic molecules, include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.

To learn more about carbon's importance to life on Earth, view the video Ingredients for Life:  Carbon from eMediaVASM to discover how important carbon is to life on earth.

Macromolecules

There are four main groups of organic compounds:  carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.  These groups are called macromolecules because they are formed by joining smaller molecules.  The larger molecules are also called polymers, and the smaller subunits are called monomers.  These macromolecules perform specific essential functions in the cell. In this interactivity, click on each of the tabs to learn more about macromolecules. Click the player button to begin.

View a printable version of the interactivity.

 

 

Organic Molecules Review

Now that you have learned about the molecules important to life on Earth, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Drag the words from the word bank and drop them in the correct bubble in the concept map.  When you have finished, click SUBMIT to check your answers and view a completed copy of the concept map. Click the player button to get started.