Organic Molecules
Imagine everything in your body is made of tiny building blocks. Organic molecules are like those essential building blocks that come together to form all living things!
- Other Names: You might not hear other names for organic molecules very often in everyday conversation, but scientists sometimes call them carbon-based molecules.
What are organic molecules made of?
- Mostly carbon atoms, but they can also include hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.
- These atoms bond together in different shapes and sizes, creating a huge variety of organic molecules.
What do organic molecules do?
- They are the foundation for all the important things in your body, like:
- Proteins: The building blocks for your muscles, hair, and skin.
- Carbohydrates: Your body's fuel source for energy.
- Fats: Provide energy storage and insulation.
- DNA: The instruction manual for your body.
Organic Molecules vs. Vitamins and Minerals
- Vitamins and minerals are specific types of organic molecules that your body needs in small amounts to function properly. You typically get them from food.
- Organic molecules is a broader category that includes vitamins, minerals, and many other types of molecules found in living things.
Etymology (Word Origins)
- "Organic" comes from the Greek word "organon," which means "instrument" or "tool."
- Originally, the term "organic" referred to anything derived from living organisms.
- Over time, the scientific definition narrowed down to molecules that typically contain carbon and come from living things.