Topic 2: Elements of Life

unit 1

Hydroxyl (-OH)

Consists of a hydrogen bonded to an oxygen, which bonds to the carbon skeleton. It is polar, makes molecules hydrophilic (water-soluble), and defines alcohols

Carbonyl (>C=O)

Consists of a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen. If it is at the end of the carbon skeleton, it forms an aldehyde; if inside, a ketone. It is found in sugars

Carboxyl (-COOH)

Combines a carbonyl and a hydroxyl attached to the same carbon. It acts as an acid by releasing hydrogen ions (\(H^{+}\)) and becoming negatively charged

Amino (-NH₂):

Consists of a nitrogen bonded to two hydrogens and the carbon skeleton. It acts as a base by picking up \(H^{+}\) ions from solution and becoming positively charged.

Sulfhydryl (-SH)

Consists of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. Two sulfhydryl groups can react to form covalent "disulfide bridges" that stabilize protein structure

Phosphate (-OPO₃²⁻)

Consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms. It contributes a negative charge and is crucial in energy transfer (like ATP) and nucleic acids

Methyl (-CH₃)

Consists of a carbon bonded to three hydrogens. It is nonpolar, hydrophobic, and acts as a tag on DNA that affects gene expression

Organic chemistry

the scientific study of the structure, properties, composition, reactions, and preparation of carbon-containing compounds

Carbon has four valence electrons and typically forms four covalent bonds, allowing it to chain and ring together into complex structures

Hydrocarbons

are organic compounds made entirely of hydrogen and carbon atoms

macromolecule

a very large, organic molecule built from thousands of smaller covalently bonded atoms.