molecular diversity, carbon skeletons and isomers

hydrocarbons

• organic molecules made up of only carbon and hydrogen

• hydrogen attach to carbon skeletons

• not typically in living systems

properties of hydrocarbons

• non-polar (due to long non-polar tails)

• release large amounts of energy

Isomers

compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structural formula

structural Isomers

same number of atoms but different in covalent arrangement of atoms

cis-trans Isomers

covalent bonds to the same atoms however the arrangements of cis isomers and trans isomers differ

• infleibility because of double bonds

why can’t atoms freely rotate in cis-trans isomers?

the double bonds hold the atoms in place, preventing them from moving

which type of isomer is this?

cis- H2 are parallel

what type of isomer is this?

Trans- H2 are opposite to one another (bent shape double bond)

what type of isomer is this?

non- the H atoms are on top of one another

Enantiomers

isomers that mirror images of each other but differ in shape due to asymmetric carbon

asymetric carbon

a carbon attached to four different atoms/groups

which glyceraldehyde is this

L-Glyceraldehyde - OH on LEFT side

which glyceraldehyde is this

D-glyceraldehyde OH on the RIGHT side

importance of enantiomers

• sometimes right vs left enantiomers don’t fit into the same spaces-could cause severe side effects such as with certain medication (one enatiomer can treat an illness while the other causes other problems)

• one isomer is biologically active and binds to specific molecules in an organism

Functional Groups

atoms/groups of atoms attached to a molecule giving the molecule partificular chemical and physical properties

e: The presence of a carboxyl or hydroxyl group will make a molecule polar

Hydroxyl

chemical formula: ROH
Found in: carbs, lipids, melic acid →fruits
compound name: alcohol (ending in -ol)

example: ethanol
properties:

• polar (electronegative O2)

• hydrogen bond w/ water

• dissolves compounds such as sugars

Carbonyl

names:

• ketone (compound w/carbonyl skeleton within) RCOCR

• sugars with ketone =ketoses

• aldehyde(compound w/carbonyl skeleton at end) RCOH

• sugars with aldehydes =aldoses

Found in: carbs (straight)

Carboxyl

Chemical Formula : RCOOH

properties:acts like an acid b/c of covalent bond of O2 and H2 (polar)/can donate H

Compound name: Carboxylic acid or organic acid

found in : proteins, lipids

example: Acetic acid gives vinegar sour taste

Amino

chemical name : RNH2

Properties: acts as a base - picks up H2 from surrounding solutions

compound name: amine

found in: proteins, lipids

ex: glycine

sulfhydryl

chemical name: -sH
Properties:

• two sh can react to form cross-link (stabilize protein)

• in hair maintains hair type (salon treatment breaks cross-link)

• compound name: thiol

• found in: proteins

  e: cysteine

Phosphate

chemical formula: (-OPO3)²

found in: nucleic acids, lipids

properties:

• -1 when inside chain of phosphates

• -2 when at the end of chain of phosphates

• helps molecule react w water and release energy

compound name : organic phosphate

Methyl

chemical formula : COOC
Properties:

• affects the epression of genes when on DNA/bound to DNA

• affects shape and function of se hormones

found in: lipids

compound name: Methylated compound

how does methyl group differ from the other six functional groups?

not reactive - a biological tag on molecules to help recognise them

why is sulfhydryl different from others?

it is hydrophobic

ATP

adenosine triphosphate → storing potential to react with water

one phosphate splits off when ATP reacts with water (becomes ADP)

→that reaction realise energy that is used by the cell

Ester

chemical formula: RCOOC
found in lipids and nucleic acids