Carbon and The Molecular Diversity of Life

Vocabulary flashcards based on the concepts of carbon and the molecular diversity of life.

Carbon

The fundamental building block of life, known for its ability to form a variety of complex molecules.

Molecule

A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Hydrocarbon

Organic molecules consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen.

Isomer

Compounds with the same molecular formula but differing in structure and properties.

Functional Group

Specific groups of atoms that determine the characteristics and chemical reactivity of organic molecules.

Valence

The number of covalent bonds that an atom can form, typically determined by the number of unpaired electrons in its outer shell.

Enantiomer

Isomers that are mirror images of each other, often with different biological activities.

Covalent Bond

A chemical bond formed when two atoms share electrons.

ATP (Adenosine Triphosphate)

An important organic phosphate that serves as a primary energy source for cellular processes.

Carbon Skeleton

The chain of carbon atoms in an organic molecule, which can vary in length and structure.

Hydroxyl Group

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, known for contributing to the polarity of molecules.

Carboxyl Group

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to a hydroxyl group, acting as an acid.

Amino Group

A functional group containing a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms, acting as a base in organic compounds.

Phosphate Group

A functional group consisting of phosphorus surrounded by four oxygen atoms, playing a key role in energy transfer.

Sulfhydryl Group

A functional group containing a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, important for protein structure.

Cis-trans Isomer

Isomers that have the same covalent bonds but differ in the arrangement of atoms in space.