Concept 3.1: Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to four other atoms

What is the significance of carbon's electron configuration?

It allows carbon to form up to four covalent bonds, making it central to the structure of organic compounds.

What are four important classes of biological molecules?

The four important classes of biological molecules are carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

How many valence electrons does carbon have, and what does this allow?

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to form bonds with up to four other atoms.

What shape do carbon atoms create when forming four single covalent bonds?**  

They create a tetrahedral shape with bond angles of approximately 109.5°.

How does the shape of molecules affect their function?**  

The three-dimensional shape of a molecule is central to its biological function.

What is a carbon chain?

A carbon chain is a series of carbon atoms bonded together, forming the backbone of organic molecules.

What are hydrocarbons?

Organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen, major components of fossil fuels.

What is the structural difference between structural isomers?**  

Structural isomers differ in the covalent arrangements of their atoms, such as in the carbon skeleton.

What are isomers?

 Isomers are compounds with the same molecular formula but different structures, leading to different properties.

Define cis-trans isomers

 Isomers that have the same atoms but differ in spatial arrangements due to the rigidity of double bonds.

What are enantiomers?

Isomers that are mirror images of each other, differing in shape due to an asymmetric carbon atom.

Why are enantiomers important in the pharmaceutical industry?

Different enantiomers can have vastly different biological effects; only one may be therapeutically active.

What are the three types of isomers?

The three types of isomers are structural isomers, cis-trans isomers, and enantiomers.

What are chemical groups?

Chemical groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that have distinct chemical properties and contribute to the function of organic compounds.

What are functional groups?

Functional groups are specific chemical groups attached to the carbon skeleton of organic molecules that participate in chemical reactions and define the properties of those molecules.

What role do chemical groups play in organic molecules?

They determine the unique properties and functions of organic molecules and can act as functional groups.

List the seven chemical groups important in biological processes.

Hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, phosphate, and methyl groups.

What is ATP and its role in cellular processes?

ATP (adenosine triphosphate) releases energy when it reacts with water, powering cellular activities.

How does the presence of a methyl group differ from other functional groups?

The methyl group is generally non-reactive and often serves as a recognizable tag, while other groups can participate in chemical reactions.

Describe the carbon skeletons in organic molecules

Carbon skeletons vary in length and shape, being straight, branched, or forming closed rings.

What is the impact of double bonds on molecular structure?

Double bonds create planar arrangements that restrict rotation, affecting isomer formation and properties.

Why are hydrocarbons considered hydrophobic?

They are largely nonpolar and do not dissolve in water due to their carbon-hydrogen linkages

How do structural isomers increase with carbon skeleton size?

As carbon skeletons increase in size, the number of possible structural isomers increases dramatically.

What is the role of functional groups in organic molecules?

They participate in chemical reactions and contribute to the molecule's specific functions and reactivity.

What happens when ATP loses a phosphate group?

It becomes ADP (adenosine diphosphate) and releases energy that can be used by the cell.

How do different isomers affect biological functions?

Different isomers can have significantly different biological activities and effects on organisms.

What is the common structure of carbon dioxide (CO2)?

CO2 consists of one carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms by double covalent bonds.

How do carbon atoms contribute to molecular diversity?*

Carbon can bond to itself and other atoms in various configurations, leading to diverse organic compounds.

 Explain the importance of valence in covalent bonding.

The number of unpaired electrons in an atom's valence shell determines its valence, or the number of bonds it can form.

What defines a compound as organic?*

Organic compounds typically contain carbon and are often bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements.

Why is molecular shape critical in biochemistry?

The specific arrangement of atoms determines how molecules interact and function in biological processes.