4: Carbon & Molecular Diversity Flashcards
Carbon
The backbone of life, can make up to four bonds, study of it is called organic chemistry
Organic chemistry
The study of carbon compounds
Skeleton
-C-C-C- chain is the backbone of the carbon molecule, variations create different organic molecules (length, branching, double bonds, rings)
Isomer
One of several compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and therefore different properties
Structural isomer
One of several compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the covalent arrangement of their atoms
Geometric isomer
Differ in arrangement of atoms around a double bond
Enantiomers
Differ in arrangement of atoms around an asymmetric carbon
Hydrocarbons
Organic molecule made only with carbon & hydrogen
Functional group
A specific configuration of atoms commonly attached to the carbon skeletons of organic molecules and involved in chemical reactions
Methyl group
Chemical group of a carbon bonded to 3 hydrogens. (Hydrophobic)
Hydroxyl group
Chemical group of an oxygen atom and hydrogen atom. Molecules possessing this group anew soluble in H2O & called alcohols (hydrophilic)
Carbonyl group
Chemical group present in aldehydes & ketones and consist of a carbon double bonded to an oxygen
Carboxyl group
chemical group present in organic acids and consisting of a single carbon double bonded to an oxygen bonded to a hydroxyl group
Amino group
Chemical group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to 2 hydrogen atoms, can act as a base in solution, accepting a H ion & acquiring a charge of 1+
Sulfhydryl group
Chemical group consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. This group cross links proteins
