Chapter 3 : Molecules of the Cell (Notes) Flashcards
Carbon based molecules are called
organic compounds
Why is carbon so diverse in its ability to form molecules
it only has 4 valence electrons
Hydrocarbon
Compounds composed of only carbon and hydrogen
Carbon Skeleton
A chain of carbon atoms that forms the structural backbone of a molecule
4 types of carbon skeletons
Branched, Unbranched, Single or Double bonds and may form rings
Unbranched Carbon Skeleton
Linear, or straight, in their bonding such as in the molecule of butane
Branched Carbon Skeleton
Bonds that may go in several directions such as in a molecule of isobutane
What can affect the 3D shapes of molecules that have the same molecular formula
The arangment of carbon atoms in the carbon skeleton and the location of bonds
Double bond isomers
Isomers with a double bond located in various areas of the molecule
Enantiomers
“mirror image”
Functional groups
Atoms that affect the functioning of organic compounds by participating in chemical reactions in characteristic ways
Hydroxyl Group
Consists of a hydrogen bonded to an oxygen which is in turn bound to a carbon skeleton
Hydroxyl group examples
Alcohols, sugars
Carbonyl group
A carbon linked by a double bond to an oxygen atom
Carbonyl group examples
Most sugars contain both hydroxyl and carbonyl groups
