Biochemistry PowerPoint Notes

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts from the biochemistry lecture notes on the properties and importance of carbon in organic compounds.

Carbon

A fundamental element in biochemistry, forming the backbone of organic compounds.

Hydrocarbons

Compounds composed solely of carbon and hydrogen.

Isomers

Compounds with the same chemical formula but different arrangements of atoms.

Functional Groups

Clusters of atoms that have specific chemical properties and effects on the biological function of molecules.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group consisting of a hydrogen atom bonded to an oxygen atom (-OH), characteristic of alcohols.

Carbonyl Group

A functional group with a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O).

Carboxyl Group

A functional group consisting of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen and bonded to a hydroxyl group (-COOH).

Versatility of Carbon Skeletons

Carbon can form single, double, and triple bonds and can create chains and rings.

Nonpolar Molecules

Molecules such as hydrocarbons that do not mix well with water.

Valence Electrons

Electrons in the outer shell of an atom that are involved in chemical bonding.