1. and the Molecular Diversity of Life
Carbon
and the Molecular Diversity of Life

2. Carbon Chemistry
Carbon is the Backbone of Biological Molecules (macromolecules)
All living organisms Are made up of chemicals based mostly on the element carbon

3. Why is Carbon Special?
Carbon has four valence electrons and may form single, double, triple, or quadruple bonds
Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to four other atoms (tetravalence)
Carbon compounds range from simple molecules to complex ones chains, rings, branched

4. Organic Chemistry
Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds

5. (b) Mammalian adipose cells
Hydrocarbons
Hydrocarbons are molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen
Hydrocarbons are found in many of a cell’s organic molecules
(a) A fat molecule
(b) Mammalian adipose cells
100 µm
Fat droplets (stained red)
Figure 4.6 A, B