CHAPTER 4: The Chemical Basis of Life 4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Only 4 elements are common in living things. 96.3% of our weight is due to Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen and Hydrogen.

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Element Phase at Room Temperature # of electrons in the outer shell # of bonds it will form Carbon Solid 4 Nitrogen Gas 5 3 Oxygen 6 2 Hydrogen 1

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things inorganic compounds are molecules which do not contain carbon Exceptions: CO2 (Carbon Dioxide) CO (Carbon Monoxide) CaCO3 (calcium carbonate)

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Inorganic compounds are found in bones, blood and buffers (salts) organic compound are molecules which contain Carbon except CO2, CO & CaCO3 (these are inorganic).

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Carbon will form 4 bonds. Carbon will form bonds with other carbons to form long Carbon chains.

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things From figure 4-9, list all the molecules that have a) double bonds – butadiene & benzene b) triple bonds – acetylene c) a ring structure - benzene

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Polymers are large compounds made up of many smaller compounds (known as monomers) which are bound together in a process known as polymerizaztion.

4-2: Chemical Compounds in Living Things Polymerization allows for a wide variety of complex molecules.