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Question

Why are organic molecules important to living things?

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Solution

Organic molecules are important to living things because life is based on the properties of carbon.
Properties of Carbon
˙ Carbon is an important element because it can form four covalent bonds.
˙ Carbon skeletons can vary in length, branching, and ring structure.
˙ The carbon skeletons contain the functional groups that are involved in biochemical reactions.
Four types of organic molecules are important for life.
Carbohydrates
˙ Are made of sugar molecules.
˙ Provide energy and structure.
Lipids
Lipids are a large class of hydrophobic organic molecules.
˙ Fats are made of glycerol plus fatty acids; they serve as a backup source of energy.
˙ Phospholipids contain polar and nonpolar groups; they form cellular membranes.
˙ Steroids have a characteristic ring structure; they include cholesterol and various hormones.
Nucleic acids
˙ Consist of long chains of nucleotides.
˙ Are the molecules of the genetic code.
˙ Are also important as energy carriers.
Proteins
˙ Consist of long chains of amino acids.
˙ Are necessary for growth and repair of tissues.
˙ Are crucial to life and perform a wide range of functions.

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