Biology 4.1-4.3

organic chem, carbon atoms, functional groups

What are some differences between inorganic and organic molecules?

Organic compounds contain carbon and hydrogen atoms and always covalent bonding.

inorganic compounds dissociate in water releasing ions (electrolytes), ionic bonds, small simple moelcues, associated with nonliving matter

What is organic chemistry?

The study of compounds that contain carbon

Explain how the chemical characteristics of carbon contribute to its ability to form a variety of diverse organic molecules.

Because of its 4 valance electrons, carbon is able to form 4 covalent bonds which allows it to create complex molecules.

What are hydrocarbons?

Molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen

What are 4 different ways carbon skeletons can vary?

Length, double bond position, branching, and presence of rings

What are isomers?

compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and properties

What are structural isomers?

They have different covalent arrangements of their atoms

What are cis-trans isomers?

have the same covalent bonds but differ in spatial arrangements around a double bond.

What are enantiomers?

Isomers that are mirror images of each other.

What are functional groups?

A group of atoms attached to carbon skeletons that give the compound it’s characteristics and chemical properties.