Chatper 4: Bio 1

SUMMERSSSSSSSSSSSSS

What is Vitalism?

A scientific hypothesis that biomolecules are created by a life force.

What does vitalism suggest about the chemical processes occurring in living things?

The living things are driven by a non-physical force.

How did experiments performed by Wöhler and Miller challenge ‘vitalism’?

Discovered several elements and compounds essential to life. Determined organic materials could be synthesized from inorganic materials.

What are hydrocarbons?

Organic chemical compound composed of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

What chemical properties do hydrocarbons share?

They are energy-rich molecules that are hydrophobic and nonpolar.

How do the organic molecules in living things differ from simple hydrocarbons?

They contain functional groups.

What shapes are the backbones of carbon atoms that are able to form in biological molecules?

Straight lines, branches structures, and closed rings.

How do double bonds affect a molecule’s

shape and flexibility?

They create rigidity and limit rotation, resulting in a more planar structure.

How do double bonds between carbon atoms affect the overall number of bonds to hydrogen atoms?

Decreases the overall number of hydrogen atoms.