Types of Organic Molecules

Organic chemistry is the study of the structure, properties, and reactions of organic molecules. There are four main types of organic molecules: hydrocarbons, carbohydrates, proteins, and lipids. Each type of molecule has unique properties that allow them to interact with one another in specific ways. In this article, we will explore the four types of organic molecules in more detail namely, lipids, carbohydrates, protein and nucleic acid. We will also provide examples of each type of molecule so that you can better understand their functions. 

What is the meaning of organic molecules?

An organic molecule is any molecule that contains carbon. The study of organic molecules is a branch of chemistry called organic chemistry. There are four main types of organic molecules: carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

History of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules were first studied by the French chemist Antoine Lavoisier in the late 1700s. He defined “organic” as substances produced by living organisms. In the early 1800s, the German chemist Friedrich Wöhler disproved the theory that living organisms were necessary to create organic molecules. He did this by creating the first organic molecule, urea, in the laboratory.

Today, we know that organic molecules are not just found in living organisms, but also in the non-living world. For example, methane and propane are two organic molecules that are found in natural gas.

Importance and Uses of Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are important because they are the building blocks of life. All living things are made up of organic molecules. There are 4 organic molecules that are considered as main. The organic compounds are also classified into two more groups including functional group and homologous series. Functional groups are the specific atoms or the group of atoms that are responsible for the chemical properties of the organic molecules. On the other hand, organic molecules in a homologous series have the same general formula, but the functional groups are different.

Types of Organic Molecules

The four main types of organic molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acid.

Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are the most common type of organic molecule. They are made up of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Examples of carbohydrates include sugar, starch, and cellulose. The small units that are repeated in carbohydrates are called monosaccharides. The function of carbohydrates is to provide the body with energy. There are three types of carbohydrates: monosaccharides, disaccharides, and polysaccharides. Monosaccharides are the simplest form of carbohydrate and the building blocks of more complex carbohydrates such as disaccharides and polysaccharides. Disaccharides are made up of two monosaccharides, while polysaccharides are made up of three or more monosaccharides.

Lipids: Lipids are organic molecules that are made up of fatty acids. Lipids are important for cell membranes and storing energy. Examples of lipids include triglycerides and cholesterol. The function of lipids is to store energy, insulate the body, and protect organs. There are four main types of lipids: triglycerides, phospholipids, steroids, and waxes. Triglycerides are the most common type of lipid and are made up of three fatty acids. Fatty acids can be saturated or unsaturated. Phospholipids are made up of two fatty acids and a phosphate group. Steroids are made up of four interconnected carbon rings. Waxes are made up of long-chain fatty acids.

Proteins: Proteins are made up of amino acids. They are important for cell structure, enzymes, and hormones. Examples of proteins include haemoglobin and antibodies. Proteins are the largest and most complex type of molecule in the body. They are made up of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. There are 20 different types of amino acids. Proteins have many functions in the body, including building and repairing tissue, transporting molecules, and enzymes.

Nucleic Acids: Nucleic acids are made up of nitrogen, carbon, oxygen, and phosphate. Nucleic acids are the largest and most complex type of molecule in the body. They are made up of nucleotides. Nucleotides are the building blocks of nucleic acids. There are four types of nucleotides: adenine, thymine, guanine, and cytosine. Nucleic acids have many functions in the body, including DNA, RNA, and enzymes.

Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids are the four main types of organic molecules. These molecules are essential to the function of the body. Carbohydrates provide the body with energy, while lipids store energy and protect organs. Proteins build and repair tissue, transport molecules, and enzymes. Nucleic acids DNA and RNA. Enzymes are important for the function of the body.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the four main types of organic molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids. All four are essential for the proper functioning of the human body. Carbohydrates are the body’s main source of energy, lipids are necessary for cell membranes and hormones, proteins are the building blocks of cells and tissues, and nucleic acids are the hereditary material. Although there are many different types of organic molecules, these four are the most important. Now that you know a little bit more about the different types of organic molecules, you can understand the concept more clearly.