1. The Molecules of Cells

2. Introduction to Organic Compounds
When it comes to molecules in cells, carbon often takes center stage
Carbon based molecules are called organic compounds
Reminder - Carbon has 4 valence electrons in a shell that holds 8
It can have 4 bonds

3. Introduction to Organic Compounds
Molecules that are composed of carbon and hydrogen are called hydrocarbons
There are many different varieties of hydrocarbons and they all have different roles to play in a cell
The most important thing to remember is that the structure of the hydrocarbon dictates its function

4. The Keys To Cells
There are a few groups of molecules that play a pivotal role in how biological molecules operate
These are the parts of biological molecules that interact the most with the cell and other molecules
These functional groups are particularly important to understand how a cell works

5. The Keys To Cells
The functional groups are often attached to a carbon chain
Because of their overall structure they have the ability to be polar
Polar molecules have a partial charge and can attract positive and negative molecules or ions

6. The Keys To Cells When molecules are polar they can be hydrophilic
Hydrophilic (water loving)
Hydrophobic (water fearing)

7. Functional Groups
We are going to now list the six main functional groups for this course
Follow along with your flash cards
They will greatly aid your understanding of these functional groups

8. Functional Groups
Hydroxyl Group – consists of a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen (which is bonded to a carbon skeleton)
Names - Any molecules containing this are considered to be alcohols

9. *Fun fact* Sugars contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups
Functional Groups
Carbonyl Group – a carbon atom is linked to an oxygen by a double bond and the carbon skeleton
Names – If at the end of the skeleton it is called an aldehyde, if it is in the middle of a group it is called a ketone
*Fun fact* Sugars contain carbonyl and hydroxyl groups

10. Functional Groups
Carboxyl Group – consists of a carbon double bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group
Names – Compounds with a carboxyl group are called carboxylic acids

11. Functional Groups
Amino Group – Has a nitrogen bonded to two hydrogens and the carbon skeleton
Names – Organic compounds with an amino group are called amines

12. Functional Groups
Phosphate Group – consists of a phosphorous atom bonded to four oxygen atoms
Name – the phosphate group is often given the abbreviation “P”

13. Functional Groups
Methyl Group – consists of a carbon bonded to three hydrogens
Name – compounds with a methyl group are considered methylated compounds