Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life Chap4

Question 1

What makes carbon the basis for all biological molecules?

Answer 1

Carbon can form four bonds, Carbon can bind to other carbons, resulting in carbon skeletons, carbon also bonds to hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Properties of a carbon-containing molecule depend on its carbon skeleton and chemical groups.

Question 2

Carbon skeletons

Answer 2

Carbon skeletons vary in length, they can also have double bonds, which can vary in location, they can be unbranched or branched, and some are arranged in rings.

Question 3

Structural isomers

Answer 3

Pentane, 2-Methylbutane

Question 4

Cis-trans isomers (geometric isomers)

Answer 4

Cis isomer: The two Xs are on the same side.
Trans isomer: The two Xs are on opposite sides.

Question 5

ATP

Answer 5

An organic molecule that is important to cellular energy processes (Adenosine triphosphate).

Question 6

ATP reaction with water

Answer 6

Releases a phosphate group as well as energy that the cell can use.