What is A Molecule Anyways?

[Sean Grinstead]

Well a molecule is the simplest unit of an element. They ware important because they fuel our bodies in several different ways. We learn in class how we use some of these molecuse to fuel our bodies. The ones that we use that our class that we talked about are protiens, lipids(fats), and carbohydrates. you would think that all of these things are very similar because the are all made of the same three elements carbon. Hydrogen, and Oxygen. and in the past week I've found that they are all very different.

This is an amino acid. Amino acids are monomers of proteins because amino acids make up protiens, which are polymers because the are made up of a lot of the same smaller parts. They stick together in huge chains called amino acid chains. Amino acids and proteins play a big part in fueling my body because they give the body calories. Calories are the actual unit of heat that each of these molecules give the body. Proteins give the body about 4 calories for every gram. This is important to me because I am an athlete and I have learned how proteins have a part in my metabolism and why I need them. Foods that are high in protein are like fish, beef, and nuts.

These are lipds. We all know lipids as fats, oils and waxes. Lipds are polymers that are made up very long fatty acid chains. The thing about these chains is that they have a polar side and a non polar side so this makes them hydrophobic or water fearing. The side that is polar is callled the carboxyl group-

and is made up of a double bonded carbon to an oxygen with hydrogen and oxygen on the other side. The non-polar side is a hydrocarbon called alcane-

Lipids are important in this discussion because most people dont think that "fat" isn't good for you simply because the name. Although its name doesn't sound too good it is actually good for you in the right amounts because it is easier to store as energy. Fat also gives you calories but it is much more rich in calories. For every gram of fat you eat you get 9 calories. that is why when you eat alot of fat your gain wait because you eat alot of calories that you dont burn that eventually turn into extra wieght. Foods that are high in fat are candy, fast food, and pretty much any thing else fried in grease.

This is a carbohydrate called gluecose. It is a monomer because it is only made up of one part. polymers are sucrose There are several different types of carbohydrates such as fuctose, and sucrose. Carbs are also good for you because the are good for ready to use energy. the only problem with carbs is when they are't in polysacheride form, they dont store very well. the blood stream uses it quickly and it is wasted. When you eat the polysacherides they store better for later use. this is important to me becasue When i work out I know what types of food to eat before and after. foods that a rich in carbohydrates are bread, grains, potatoes, pasta, table sugar, and fruit.