AP Biology Unit 1 Topic #5 Element Life

Organic Compounds

Compounds primarily composed of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other elements, typically found in living organisms.

Inorganic Compounds

Compounds that do not primarily consist of carbon-hydrogen bonds, including minerals, salts, and water, usually found in non-living systems.

Carbon

A chemical element that is the backbone of organic chemistry, known for its ability to form diverse and stable compounds.

Tetravalency

The property of carbon having four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms.

Bonding Capacity

The ability of carbon to form single, double, and triple bonds, leading to a variety of molecular structures.

Catenation

The ability of carbon to bond with other carbon atoms to form long chains and rings, essential for complex organic molecules.

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen, which can form single, double, or triple bonds.

Importance of Hydrocarbons

Hydrocarbons serve as the foundation for more complex molecules and are major components of lipids and fuels.

Biological Molecules

Diverse array of molecules formed by carbon that are necessary for life, including carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Energy Storage

The role of carbon-based compounds like glucose and fatty acids in storing and providing energy for cellular processes.

Structural Roles

The function of carbon compounds in forming the structural framework of cells and tissues, such as cellulose in plants and collagen in animals.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that have characteristic properties and chemical reactivity, responsible for the diverse chemical behaviors of organic molecules.