Campbell Biology Chap 4 Flashcards
Why can carbon form large, complex molecules
because it has four valence electrons, allowing it to form stable covalent bonds with many other atoms, including itself
what is a carbon skeleton
the basic framework of a molecule, formed by a chain of carbon atoms covalently bonded together, which serves as the backbone of all organic compounds
Describe Hydrocarbons
Organic Molecules consisting only of Hydrogen and Carbon
Are Hydrocarbons Hydrophillic or Hydrophobic
Hydrophobic
Fats have a long ___________ tails
Hydrocarbon
Another characteristic of hydrocarbons is that they can undergo reactions that release a ___________ of energy.
relatively large amount
What are Isomers
Compounds that have the same number of atoms of the same elements as another compound but different structures
What are Structural Isomers
Isomers that differ in covalent arrangement of atoms
Cis-trans Isomers are also known as
Geometric isomers
What are Cis-Trans Isomers
2 different Isomers where if there are (for ex. 2 different atoms each bonded to a 2 covalently bonded carbon, and both of the same atom are on the same side of the bond (the up or down side) it is called a “Cis” isomer, while if they aren’t, it is called a “Trans” Isomer) note that they can only appear in double covalent bonds
What are Enantiomers
isomers that are mirror images of each other and that differ in shape due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon
What are functional groups
chemical groups directly involved in chemical reactions
chemical groups most important in biological
processes are
hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, phosphate, and methyl
What is Hydroxyl Group made of
–OH
Properties of Hydroxyl Group
Polar due to electronegative oxygen, forms hydrogen bonds with water, helps dissolve compounds like sugar.
Compound name of Hydroxyl Group
Alcohol
Carbonyl Group made of
CO
Properties of Carbonyl Group
Forms Ketone and Aldehyde groups, polar molecule
How does a ketone group form
Carbonyl group is within a Carbon Skeleton
How does a Aldehyde group form
Carbonyl Group is at the end of a carbon skeleton
Sugars made of Ketone groups are called
Ketoses
Sugars made of Aldehyde groups are called
Aldoses
What is Carboxyl Group made of
COOH
Properties of Carboxyl group
Acts as an acid due to covalent bond between Oxygen and Hydrogen is so polar
Compound name of Carboxyl Group
Carboxylic acid
What is Amino Group formed of
NH2
Properties of Amino Group
Acts as base
Compound name of Amino Group
Amine
What is Sulfhydryl group formed of
SH
Properties of Sulfhydryl Group
SH groups can react, forming a “cross-link” that helps stabilize protein structure
Compound name of Sulfhydryl Group
Thiol
What is Phosphate Group made of
OPO32-(one oxygen is single bonded to the P while another one is double bonded and 2 other ones are single bonded with a negative charge)
Properties of Phosphate Group
Contributes negative charge
Compound name of Phosphate Group
Organic Phosphate
What is Methyl Group made of
CH3
properties of Methyl Group
Affects the expression of genes when
bonded to DNA or to proteins that bind
to DNA. Affects the shape and function
of male and female sex hormones.
Compound name of Methyl Group
Methylated
compound
