Lesson Proper for Week 13

Completion requirements
Definition of Terms

 Organic Compounds: Molecules primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded with

hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes other elements. Common examples
include carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.
 Covalent Bonding: A type of chemical bond where atoms share pairs of electrons to
achieve stability. This bonding is critical in forming the structure of organic
compounds.
 Monomers: Small, simple molecules that can chemically bond to form larger,
complex structures called polymers.

Elaboration and Expansion

Organic compounds are essential to life and play a crucial role in various daily
scenarios. For instance, consider the food you eat. Most of your meals consist of
organic compounds such as carbohydrates, proteins, fats, and vitamins. These
compounds not only provide energy but also support the growth and repair of body
tissues.

Daily Scenario: When you have a meal, you're consuming organic compounds that
provide your body with the necessary nutrients for daily activities. For example, when
you eat a plate of spaghetti, the carbohydrates in the pasta serve as a quick energy
source, while the proteins in meatballs help repair and build muscle tissue.

Examples of Organic Compounds and Their Uses

1. Glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆)

o Type: Carbohydrate
o Uses: A primary energy source for cells; involved in cellular respiration.

2. Ethanoic Acid (Acetic Acid) (C₂H₄O₂)

o Type: Carboxylic Acid

o Uses: Commonly used in vinegar; used in food preservation and as a
chemical reagent.

3. Glycerol (C₃H₈O₃)

o Type: Alcohol
 o Uses: Used in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals; acts as a moisturizer;
serves as a sweetener in food products.

4. Cholesterol (C₂₇H₄₆O)

o Type: Steroid
o Uses: Essential for cell membrane structure; a precursor for the synthesis
of steroid hormones.

5. Proteins (General Structure: (C₁₃H₁₈N₄O₃S)ₙ)

o Type: Polymers made from amino acids

o Uses: Essential for muscle growth, tissue repair, and enzyme activity;
found in meat, beans, and dairy products.

6. Triglycerides (C₃H₈O₆)

o Type: Lipid
o Uses: Stored energy in the body; found in fats and oils; essential for
insulation and protection of organs.

7. DNA (Deoxyribonucleic Acid)

o Type: Nucleic Acid

o Uses: Carries genetic information; directs the synthesis of proteins in
living organisms.
o General Structure: (C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄P)ₙ

8. Caffeine (C₈H₁₀N₄O₂)

o Type: Alkaloid
o Uses: A stimulant that increases alertness and reduces fatigue; found in
coffee and tea.

Trivia: Did you know that glucose is not only an important energy source for humans
but also for many living organisms, including plants and bacteria? Plants produce
glucose during photosynthesis, which serves as the foundation for their growth and
energy needs.

Additional Daily Scenario: In your community, you might notice the growth of plants
and flowers during the rainy season. This growth is driven by photosynthesis, where
sunlight and carbon dioxide from the air are transformed into glucose and oxygen. The
glucose not only fuels the plants’ growth but also supports the food chain, as animals
and humans rely on plants for nourishment.
Types of Chemical Bonds in Organic Compounds

The primary type of bond found in organic compounds is the covalent bond.
Covalent bonds are formed when atoms share pairs of electrons. This bond type is
crucial for the stability and functionality of organic compounds.

Daily Scenario: When you cook, the heat causes the covalent bonds in organic
compounds to break and re-form, creating new flavors and textures. For example, the
Maillard reaction, which occurs when cooking meat, involves complex chemical
reactions between amino acids and sugars, leading to the browning and flavor
development in grilled foods.

Trivia: The Maillard reaction is named after French chemist Louis-Camille Maillard, who
discovered this reaction in 1912. It’s why toasted bread and roasted coffee have their
distinct flavors and colors!

Importance of Organic Compounds

Understanding organic compounds is vital in various fields, including medicine,

agriculture, and environmental science. In medicine, organic compounds are used to
develop drugs that treat illnesses. In agriculture, organic compounds are essential for
fertilizers that enhance soil health and crop yields.

Daily Scenario: When you use biodegradable products, such as certain cleaning
supplies or personal care items, you are using organic compounds that are less harmful
to the environment compared to synthetic ones. These products break down naturally
and do not contribute to pollution.

Types of Organic Compounds

Organic compounds are primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded to

hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements. They play essential roles in biological
processes and are vital in various fields such as medicine, agriculture, and industry.
Organic compounds can be classified into several categories based on their structure
and functional groups. This article explores the main types of organic compounds and
their significance.

1. Carbohydrates

Carbohydrates are organic compounds made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen,

typically in a ratio of 1:2:1. They serve as a primary energy source for living organisms.

Types:
 o Monosaccharides: Simple sugars like glucose (C₆H₁₂O₆) and fructose
(C₆H₁₂O₆).
o Disaccharides: Formed by the combination of two monosaccharides, such as
sucrose (C₁₂H₂₂O₁₁).
o Polysaccharides: Complex carbohydrates made of long chains of
monosaccharide units, like starch (C₆H₁₀O₅)n and cellulose (C₆H₁₀O₅)n.

Uses: Provide energy, structural support (e.g., cellulose in plant cell walls), and
play roles in cellular signaling.

2. Proteins

Proteins are large, complex molecules made up of amino acids linked by peptide
bonds. They contain carbon, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sometimes sulfur.

Structure: Proteins have four levels of structure: primary (sequence of amino

acids), secondary (alpha-helices and beta-sheets), tertiary (3D folding), and quaternary
(multiple polypeptides).

Examples: Enzymes (e.g., amylase), antibodies (e.g., immunoglobulins), and

structural proteins (e.g., collagen).

Uses: Essential for growth, repair, and maintenance of tissues; enzymes catalyze
biochemical reactions; proteins also serve as hormones and transport molecules.

3. Lipids

Lipids are a diverse group of hydrophobic organic compounds, primarily

composed of carbon and hydrogen, with a small amount of oxygen. They are insoluble
in water but soluble in organic solvents.

Types:

o Fats and Oils: Triglycerides composed of glycerol and three fatty acids (e.g.,
stearic acid, oleic acid).
o Phospholipids: Major components of cell membranes, consisting of two fatty
acids and a phosphate group (e.g., phosphatidylcholine).
o Steroids: Structure characterized by a four-ring carbon skeleton (e.g.,
cholesterol, testosterone).

Uses: Store energy, form cell membranes, and serve as signaling molecules (e.g.,
hormones).

4. Nucleic Acids
 Nucleic acids are biopolymers essential for all known forms of life. They consist of
long chains of nucleotides, which are the building blocks of DNA and RNA.

Types:

o Deoxyribonucleic Acid (DNA): Stores genetic information (C₁₀H₁₃N₅O₄P).

o Ribonucleic Acid (RNA): Plays a crucial role in protein synthesis and gene
expression (C₉H₁₃N₄O₈P).

Uses: DNA encodes genetic information; RNA is involved in translating this

information into proteins.

5. Vitamins

Vitamins are organic compounds that are crucial for normal metabolism, growth,
and development. They cannot be synthesized by the body in sufficient quantities and
must be obtained through the diet.

Types:

o Water-soluble Vitamins: Such as vitamin C (ascorbic acid, C₆H₈O₆) and the

B vitamins (e.g., B₁, B₂, B₃).
o Fat-soluble Vitamins: Such as vitamins A (retinol, C₂₀H₃₀O), D (calciferol), E
(tocopherol), and K (phylloquinone).

Uses: Support various biological functions, including immune response, vision,

and bone health.

6. Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen

atoms. They can be classified as saturated or unsaturated.

Types:

o Alkanes: Saturated hydrocarbons with single bonds (e.g., methane, C₄H₁₀).

o Alkenes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with one or more double bonds (e.g.,
ethylene, C₂H₄).
o Alkynes: Unsaturated hydrocarbons with one or more triple bonds (e.g.,
acetylene, C₂H₂).

Uses: Serve as fuels (e.g., natural gas, gasoline), solvents, and raw materials in
chemical synthesis.

Conclusion
 Organic compounds are integral to life, forming the basis of biological molecules
and playing crucial roles in daily activities. Their formation through processes like
photosynthesis and the types of chemical bonds they exhibit, especially covalent bonds,
underscore their importance. By understanding organic compounds, you gain insight
into essential biological processes and their applications in various fields.

Lesson Proper for Week 14

Completion requirements
Definition of Terms

 Polymer: A polymer is a very large molecule or macromolecule, that is made up of

smaller, repeating units called monomers. These monomers are chemically bonded
together to form long chains or structures. Polymers can be found in many everyday
items, such as the plastic bottles you drink from, the rubber in your shoes, and even in
the natural materials that make up living things, like DNA and proteins.
 Monomer: Monomers are the small building blocks that make up polymers. Think of
them as the "bricks" in a building. When these monomers connect together, they form
long chains that give polymers their unique properties.
 Polymerization: Polymerization is the chemical process that links monomers together to
form polymers. There are two main ways this can happen: addition polymerization,
where the monomers just add together to form a chain, and condensation
polymerization, where a small molecule like water is released as the monomers bond.
 Synthetic Polymer: These are man-made polymers, created through chemical
processes. Examples include plastics used in packaging, nylon used in clothing, and
rubber used in tires.
 Natural Polymer: Natural polymers are found in nature and are essential to life. These
include substances like cellulose (found in plant cell walls), proteins (which make up
muscles and enzymes in living organisms), and DNA (the genetic material in cells).
 Biodegradable Polymer: These are types of polymers that can naturally break down
over time due to the action of microorganisms. Unlike some plastics, biodegradable
polymers decompose and don’t linger in the environment, helping to reduce pollution.

What are Polymers?

Polymers are large, complex molecules made up of many smaller units called
monomers. Imagine a necklace made of many beads—each bead represents a
monomer, and the entire necklace is the polymer. In everyday life, you encounter
polymers in many forms. For example, the plastic you see in packaging, containers, and
bags is a synthetic polymer. Similarly, the cotton in your shirt is a natural polymer, and
the DNA inside your cells is a biological polymer.

Polymers are everywhere. They make up natural substances, such as the fibers
in plants (cellulose) and the proteins in animals (like in muscles and enzymes), but they
are also artificially created, such as plastic materials that have become part of modern
life.
Types of Polymers
Polymers are divided into two main categories based on their origin:

1. Natural Polymers: These are polymers that occur naturally in nature. They are
important for living organisms and plants.

 Cellulose: This polymer is found in the cell walls of plants. It’s the substance that gives
plants their structure and strength. Cellulose is the main component of paper and wood.
 Protein: Proteins are natural polymers made of amino acids. They are essential to all
living organisms, forming muscles, enzymes, and tissues.
 DNA: DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is a polymer that carries genetic information. It is
found in every living organism, from bacteria to humans.

Trivia: The silk produced by silkworms is also a natural polymer! It's made of proteins
and used in fabrics and clothing.

2. Synthetic Polymers: These are man-made polymers. They are created through
industrial processes and are commonly used in products we use every day.

 Plastic: This is the most common synthetic polymer, used to make everything from
bottles to containers, toys, and bags. Polyethylene is one of the most widely used
plastics.
 Nylon: A polymer used in clothing, ropes, and even toothbrush bristles. It is a strong,
durable material.
 Rubber: Rubber is another important polymer that’s used in tires, shoes, and many
other products. It can be natural, coming from rubber trees, or synthetic, made in
factories.

How Are Polymers Made?

The process by which monomers come together to form polymers is
called polymerization. There are two main types of polymerization processes:

1. Addition Polymerization: In addition polymerization, monomers that have a double

bond (a pair of electrons shared between two atoms) react and join together, creating a
long polymer chain. No atoms are lost during the process. For example, ethylene, a
simple monomer, undergoes addition polymerization to form polyethylene, which is
used in plastic bags and bottles.
2. Condensation Polymerization: This type of polymerization involves monomers that
combine, but in the process, a small molecule, often water, is released. This is
how nylon is made, which is used in fabrics, ropes, and even fishing nets.

The Chemistry Behind Polymers

The structure of a polymer can affect its properties and how it behaves:

 Linear Polymers: These polymers have long, straight chains of monomers. They tend
to be flexible and can stretch easily, which makes them useful for products like plastic
wrap.
  Branched Polymers: These polymers have side chains attached to the main polymer
chain. They are usually more rigid and are used in things like plastic containers and
bottles.
 Cross-linked Polymers: In these polymers, the individual chains are connected to each
other. Cross-linking gives the polymer extra strength and heat resistance. Rubber is a
good example of a cross-linked polymer.

Applications of Polymers
Polymers are used in many different ways, often in things we use every day. Here are
some examples:

 Packaging: Many food and drink containers are made from plastic, which is a type of
polymer. The reason plastic is used so often is because it's lightweight, strong, and can
be molded into different shapes easily.
 Clothing: Materials like nylon and polyester are synthetic polymers that are used to
make clothing. These fabrics are durable, flexible, and can be made into various
textures, from soft shirts to stretchy pants.
 Medical Devices: Polymers also have applications in the medical
field. Syringes, bandages, and even prosthetic limbs are made from polymers
because they are lightweight, flexible, and safe to use in medical treatments.

Trivia: Biodegradable polymers are used in medical treatments! These polymers can
break down naturally inside the body and are used in products like dissolvable stitches,
which helps to avoid the need for removal.

Environmental Impact of Polymers

While polymers have many uses, they also have a significant impact on the
environment. One of the biggest concerns is plastic pollution. Many synthetic
polymers, like plastic, do not break down easily, and they can remain in the
environment for hundreds of years. This leads to issues like plastic waste in oceans and
landfills.

 Plastic Pollution: When plastic waste isn't properly disposed of, it can end up in the
ocean, where it harms wildlife. Animals can eat or get trapped in plastic, causing injury
or death.
 Recycling: Some types of plastics, like polyethylene (used in bags)
and polypropylene (used in food containers), can be recycled. However, many other
types of plastics are not easily recyclable.

Trivia: Every year, around 8 million tons of plastic waste enter the oceans. This plastic
pollution affects marine life, including fish, turtles, and seabirds.

 Biodegradable Polymers: These are a solution to plastic pollution. They can be broken
down by microorganisms and don't persist in the environment. These types of polymers
are already used in some products, like compostable food packaging.
The Future of Polymers
The future of polymers holds many exciting possibilities:

 Smart Polymers: These are special types of polymers that can change their shape or
properties in response to environmental changes like temperature or light. This makes
them useful in things like drug delivery systems, where the polymer can release
medicine at specific times or in certain conditions.
 Biodegradable and Sustainable Polymers: Researchers are working to create new
types of polymers that break down faster and cause less pollution. These polymers
could be made from renewable resources, like plants, instead of petroleum.
 Polymers in Renewable Energy: Polymers are also being explored in renewable
energy. For example, organic solar cells, which are made of special polymers, could one
day help generate clean energy for homes and businesses.

Conclusion
Polymers are incredibly important materials that have changed the way we live.
They are used in everything from packaging to clothing to medical devices, making our
lives easier and more convenient. However, it’s also important to be aware of the
environmental impact of synthetic polymers, especially plastics, and to think about how
we can use more sustainable options.

By learning about polymers, their uses, and their impact on the environment, we
can make better choices in our everyday lives to help reduce pollution and promote
more sustainable practices.