Organic Molecules Flashcards
Describe vitalism
organic molecules can only be made by living organisms
Describe mechanism
the view that organic molecules can be created through physical and chemical means
4 reasons why carbon is great for organic molecules
- 4 valence electrons, can form 4 bonds
- can link together in chains, branches, or rings
- can form single, double, or triple bonds
- bonds with a variety of elements
Define Isomers
compounds with the same molecular formula but different shapes
Define Structural isomers
have different covalent arrangements of their atoms
Define Geometric isomers
have the same covalent arrangements but their functional groups are in different locations
Define Enantiomers
isomers that are mirror images of each other
Hydroxyl: Name of compound
Alcohols
Example of hydroxyl
ethanol
Carbonyl: Name of compound
Ketones if within carbon skeleton
Aldehydes if end of carbon skeleton
Example of ketone
acetone
Example of aldehyde
Propanal
Carboxyl: Name of compound
Carboxylic acids
Example of Carboxyl
Acetic acid
Amino: Name of compound
Amines
Example of amino
glycine
Sulfhydryl: Name of compound
Thiols
Example of Sulfhydryl
Cysteine
Phosphate: Name of compound
Organic phosphates
Example of phosphate
Glycerol phosphate
Methyl: Name of compound
Methlyated compounds
Example of methyl
5-methyl cytidine
How does carbon electrons explain the ability to form large, complex, diverse organic molecules?
The electron configuration of carbon gives it covalent compatibility with many different elements
The valences of carbon and its most frequent partners (hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen) are the “building code” that governs the architecture of living molecules
Describe how carbon skeletons may vary and explain how this variation contributes to the diversity and complexity of organic molecules
Carbon chains form the skeletons of most organic molecules
Carbon chains vary in length and shape
Explain how ATP functions as the primary energy transfer molecule in living cells
ATP consists of an organic molecule called adenosine attached to a string of three phosphate groups. When ATP loses a phosphate, this releases energy and the ATP becomes ADP
