Biology Unit 1 Topic 2: Elements of Life

Functional Groups

chemical groups attached to the carbon skeleton that participate in chemical reactions.

Organic Chemistry

study of compounds with covalently bonded carbon.

Organic Compounds

compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen.

• carbon forms single, double, and triple covalent bonds making a carbon chain

Hydrocarbons

organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen (think: simple framework for more complex organic molecules)

Draw the chemical formula for these functional groups: hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amines, phosphate, sulfhydryl, and methyl.

• Hydroxyl group: —OH

• Carbonyl group: CO

• Carboxyl group: COOH

• Amino group: NH3

• Phosphate group: OPO2-/3

• Sylfhydryl group: SH

• Methyl group: CH3

What makes carbon such a versatile element?

uses its valence electrons to form covalent bonds to other carbons in a chain

How do functional groups affect the structure and behavior of organic molecules?

• imparting specific chem properties like polarity, acidity, or reactivity that influences their physical properties and biological functions (ex. solubility, boiling point)

What is the difference between hydrocarbons and other organic molecules?

Hydrocarbons are organic molecules that ONLY consist of carbon and hydrogen.