biology EXAM #2 pt.1 Flashcards
The Backbone of Biological Molecules
Carbon—
All living organisms
Are made up of chemicals based mostly on the element carbon
Stanley Miller’s classic experiment demonstrated
the abiotic synthesis of organic compounds
what was the Stanley Miller’s classic experiment
an attempt at simulating ancient Earth conditions, more specifically, the ancient water cycle. It showed biomolecules can be formed under these conditions.
Experiments support the idea that abiotic synthesis of organic compounds
, perhaps near volcanoes, could have been a stage in the origin of life
Organic chemistry is the study of
carbon compounds, regardless of their origin
Organic compounds:
Range from simple molecules to colossal ones:
Proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, nucleic acids
Electron configuration determines
the kinds and number of bonds an atom will form with other atoms
Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by:
It has: (how many electrons)
This allows it to form :
Tetravalence:
- bonding to four other atoms
-six electrons, four on in outer shell: therefore, carbon has four valence electrons
-four covalent bonds with a variety of atoms (preferred bonding)
- Each carbon atom acts as an intersection point from which a molecule can branch off in up to four directions.
The bonding versatility of carbon allows it to :
form many diverse molecules, including carbon skeletons (H, O, N, S, P and other C atoms )
methane:
ethane:
ethene:
-CH4
-C2H6
-C2H4
The number of unpaired electrons in the valence shell of an atom is generally equal to
its valence, the number of covalent bonds it can form
The electron configuration of carbon gives it
covalent compatibility with many different elements
number of valence
H
O
N
C
1
2
3
4
Valence is the number of:
It is generally equal to the number of:
-covalent bonds an atom can form.
-electrons required to complete the atom’s outermost (valence) electron shell
CO2 is the source of
carbon for all the organic molecules found in organisms.
Simple molecules:
a)
b)
a) carbon dioxide O = C = O
b) urea CO(NH2)2. organic compound found in urine. Frederich Wohler learned to synthesized In early 19th century.