biology chapter 4

what are organic molecules

Organic molecules are compounds primarily made of carbon atoms and are essential for life, forming the basis of biological structures and functions.

Why carbon is such an important element and what makes it so versatile (hint: valence electrons)

Carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form stable covalent bonds with up to four other atoms, leading to diverse structures and functions in organic molecules.

What are hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons are organic compounds consisting entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms.

structural isomers

Structural isomers are compounds that have the same molecular formula but differ in the arrangement of atoms, leading to different structural properties.

cis-trans isomers

have the same covalent bonds but differ in their spatial arrangements

enantiomers

are isomers that are mirror images of each other’s

functional groups

are the components of organic molecules that are most commonly involved in chemical reactions • The number and arrangement of functional groups give each molecule its unique properties

What are the 7 functional groups most important to the chemistry of life

hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, phosphate, methyl

Why do functional groups determine the behavior of a compound?

Because they provide specific chemical properties that influence reactivity and interactions with other molecules.

What is ATP

Adenosine triphosphate, an energy-carrying molecule found in cells.

isomers

are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures and properties