When scientists look at organic compounds, they notice some patterns and differences that can help them group them together. They look at the number of carbon atoms, what other elements are attached to those carbon atoms, and how the atoms are arranged. Based on these patterns and differences, scientists have grouped organic compounds into different categories. These categories help us understand and study these compounds better: Carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids. Our new exclusive material, Classification of Organic Compounds – Complete Set, offers learners a deeper insight into other factors that help parts of the body function efficiently.
Carbohydrates are like energy-giving geometrical structures. They consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen atoms. We find carbohydrates in foods like rice, bread, and fruits, and they provide our bodies with energy. At its basic level, carbohydrates consist of three main components: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. The name itself is interesting to explain to learners. “Carbo” indicates the presence of carbon, while “hydrate” indicates the presence of hydrogen and oxygen. Carbohydrates building blocks consist of single sugar molecules called monosaccharides. When many monosaccharides are joined, they form different sugar molecules like sucrose, lactose, or maltose! The arrangement and number of monosaccharides in carbohydrate molecules determine their properties and functions.
Another type of organic compound is protein, which is found in humans, animals, and plants and is essential to living organisms. They play many important roles, such as building and repairing tissues, carrying out chemical reactions in the body, and serving as messengers for communication between cells. Proteins consist of smaller units called amino acids. There are about 20 different types of amino acids, which are joined together to create proteins. By arranging these blocks in different ways, we can create a wide range of protein structures.
Another essential organic compound is lipid, the building blocks for fats, oils, and proteins. They form structures that help our bodies grow and function properly. For instance, they are responsible for storing energy, insulating and protecting organs, and acting as messengers within cells. They consist of two main components at their basic levels: fatty acids and glycerol. Together, fatty acids and glycerol form an organic compound called triglycerides, which is found in the adipose tissue and acts as a fat reservoir in the body.
Finally, we have nucleic acids, a group of organic compounds essential for storing and transmitting genetic information in living organisms. They play a vital role in the heredity and functioning of cells. There are two main types of nucleic acids: deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) and ribonucleic acid (RNA). Nucleic acids consist of nucleotides composed of a sugar molecule, a phosphate group, and a nitrogenous base. DNA and RNA differ in their sugar molecules and the presence of different nitrogenous bases. The sequence of these bases carries the genetic information necessary for cellular functioning.
Now that you have learned about the basic functions of the main organic compounds, you can confidently present the content to your learners. Remember that we are simply acquainting our learners with the concepts of organic compounds as the next level to atoms. Still, we are also showing how chemistry works with physical parts of the human body to create harmonious functioning. You can use the puzzle, Classification of Organic Compounds, and the Research Cards to discuss some essential components and provide hands-on material to repeat the work in the future. Finally, you can indicate to your learners that the Command Cards are divided into 4 sections, each providing an opportunity to work on each main organic compound.
We are confident this topic will fascinate your learners and inspire them to keep learning about molecules! For more advanced science Montessori-aligned materials, visit our website at www.alisonsmontessori.com.
