Inorganic vs. Organic Compounds

Inorganic Compounds

Salts: mineral compounds that have ionic bonds that enter and are stored in the body (ex. NaCl)

- in its ionic form they are known as electrolytes, substances that can transmit an electrical charge​​​

Water: Universal solvent

- Transport medium

- High heat capacity

- Lubrication

Acids + Bases

Acids: ionically bonded substances that, when added to water, release hydrogen (H+) ions (proton donors)​​​

Bases: alkaline compounds that release hydroxyl (OH-) ions (proton acceptors)

Organic Compounds

Carbohydrates (CHO)

used for energy, energy storage, and cellular structures (H:O = 2:1)

Proteins (CHON)

most abundant molecules in the body used for cell structures and structural body tissues, controlling chemical reactions, regulating growth, and defending body from invaders

- shape of protein determines its function

Lipids: energy, stored in fat, chemical messengers (CHO)

Neutral Fats/"triglycerides" - Saturated (single bond; butter) & Unsaturated (double bond; oil)

Steroids - hydrophobic, non-polar, little oxygen

Phospholipids - two fatty acids and a phosphate group (PO4)

Eicosanoids - formed from a 20-carbon fatty acid and ring structure

Nucleic Acids:

largest molecules in the body composed of C, H, O, N, and Phosphorus

- DNA and RNA

Nucleotides: composed of nitrogenous bases (A, G, T, C, U), 5-carbon sugar, and a phosphate group

Simple Carbs

Monosaccharides: most stable as single pentose ring (i.e. glucose, fructose, ribose, deoxyribose)

Disaccharides: two pentose rings (i.e. sucrose)

Complex Carbs

Polysaccharides: monosaccharides joined by dehydration synth.

- Glycogen stores fuel in body tissues

- Cellulose provides structure for plants

Structural (Fibrous)

Stable, rigid, water-insoluble proteins used for adding strength to cells and tissues

Functional (Globular) Flexible, 3D shape, water-soluble proteins

Structural Framework:

Collagen strengthens bones, cartilage, ligaments, & tendons

Keratin​​​​: hair, nails, outer skin layer

Physical Movement

Actin + Myosin: contractile proteins in muscle; actin also does intracellular transport