Carbon and Molecular Diversity

Organic Molecules What is an organic molecule? Molecule that contains carbon What are the major elements of life? C, H, N, O, P, and S

The Carbon Atom What makes the carbon atom so important to life? The electron configuration of carbon makes it tetravalent. The carbon atom has 4 valence electrons! This explains how carbon makes large complex molecules possible.

Carbon’s Compatibility Carbon frequently combines with O, H, and N. Learn the valence numbers for all 4 of these atoms!

Variations in Carbon Skeletons How can variations in carbon skeletons effect the structure and function of organic molecules? Change the length of the carbon skeleton. Alter the number and location of double bonds. Change the elements with which carbon bonds.

Hydrocarbons What is a hydrocarbon chain? It is a long C-H chain What type of bond is the C-H bond? Non-polar covalent Examples of hydrocarbons: fossil fuel component framework for large organic macromolecules of life

Isomers What is an isomer? Molecules that have the same molecular formula but different structures.

Functional Groups Have specific chemical and physical properties Are regions of organic molecules Behave consistently from one organic molecule to another Effect the structure and function of organic molecules to which they belong.

A. Hydroxyl Group What does it look like? C-OH Alcohols Polar and water soluble

B. Carbonyl Group What does it look like? C=O At the end of a molecule - called aldehyde Within a molecule - called ketone Polar and water soluble Found in all sugars

Carboxyl Group What does this group look like? How did it get its name? COOH - This group consists of a carbon atom that is bonded to both a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group. Why is this group acidic? It donates H+ Compounds with this group are called carboxylic acids

D. Amino Group What does this group look like? Either C-NH2 or C-NH3 Called amines What causes this group to be considered a weak base? The C-NH2 tends to gain H+, removing them from the solution.

E. Sulfhydryl Group What does this group look like? C-SH What is a function of this group? Helps stabilize protein structure through disulfide bridges.

F. The Phosphate Group What does this group look like? PO42- What are some characteristics of this group? Acidic, looses H+. Polar, water soluble Unstable!, Therefore important for energy transfer and storage.