The Carbon Atom and Carbon-Containing Molecules

Flashcards covering the properties of the carbon atom, carbon bonding, hydrocarbons, and key functional groups found in organic molecules, based on lecture notes from Section 3.1.

How many electrons does a carbon atom have in its outer shell, and how many additional electrons does it need to fill that shell?

Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and requires four additional electrons to fill it.

What types of atoms does carbon most commonly form covalent bonds with in living organisms?

Carbon most commonly forms covalent bonds with other carbon atoms, hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and sulfur atoms.

What types of covalent bonds can carbon form between two carbon atoms, or between carbon and oxygen/nitrogen?

Carbon bonds can be single, double, or triple (in the case of certain C=C and C=N bonds).

What configurations can carbon bonds occur in, contributing to molecular diversity?

Carbon bonds may occur in configurations that are linear, ringlike, or highly branched.

What are hydrocarbons, and what are their typical properties regarding water solubility?

Hydrocarbons are molecules with predominantly or entirely C-H and C-C bonds, making them hydrophobic and poorly soluble in water.

When does a molecule become more hydrophilic and soluble in water due to carbon bonding?

A molecule typically becomes more hydrophilic and soluble in water when carbon forms polar covalent bonds with more electronegative atoms like oxygen or nitrogen, creating regions of partial negative and positive charges.

What property of carbon bonds makes them stable within a large range of temperatures associated with life?

Carbon atom's small size leads to short C-C bonds, which are stronger and more stable than longer bonds, making them stable across varied temperatures.

What are functional groups in organic molecules?

Functional groups are groups of atoms with characteristic chemical structures and properties that exhibit consistent chemical properties in all molecules in which they occur.

What is the primary property of an amino group (-NH2) at the pH range found in living organisms?

An amino group acts as a weak base, readily binding H+ to become NH3+, removing H+ from solution and increasing pH.

What are the common properties of the Carbonyl functional group (Ketone or Aldehyde)?

The Carbonyl group (Ketone or Aldehyde) is polar, highly chemically reactive, and forms hydrogen bonds.

What is the primary property of a carboxyl group (-COOH)?

A carboxyl group is acidic, giving up H+ in water, and forms part of peptide bonds.

What are the key properties of a hydroxyl group (-OH)?

A hydroxyl group is polar and forms hydrogen bonds with water.

What is the nature of a methyl group (―CH3)?

A methyl group is nonpolar.

What are the main properties of a phosphate group (-PO42-)?

A phosphate group is polar, weakly acidic, and thus negatively charged at the typical pH of living organisms.

What are the properties of a sulfhydryl group (-SH) and its role in proteins?

A sulfhydryl group is polar and forms disulfide bridges in many proteins (containing cysteine).