Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

Vocabulary flashcards covering Carbon chemistry, functional groups, organic reactions, and the four major classes of biological macromolecules.

Properties of Carbon

Forms 4 covalent bonds (shared electrons); often bonds with O, N, S, H, and P; can form single, double, or triple bonds; molecules may be branched, chains, or rings.

Isomers

Compounds that have the same molecular formula (numbers and types of atoms) but different structures.

Structural isomers

A type of isomer where compounds have the same molecular formula but different structural arrangements.

Geometric isomers

Also known as cis-trans isomers, these have the same molecular formula but vary in spatial arrangement around a double bond.

Enantiomers

A specific type of isomer characterized by being mirror images of each other.

Functional groups

Typically two or more different atoms attached to a carbon skeleton that significantly change the structure and function of the molecule.

Methyl group

A functional group that is non polar (hydrophobic) and neutral.

Hydroxyl group

A functional group that is polar (hydrophilic) and neutral.

Carbonyl group

A polar functional group found in carbohydrates such as sugars.

Carboxyl group

A polar and acidic functional group.

Amino group

A polar functional group that acts as a base.

Phosphate group

A functional group that is polar and acidic.

Sulfhydryl group

A functional group that is polar and neutral.

Dehydration Synthesis

The joining of two molecules by the removal of water to build larger molecules including polymers; water is produced.

Hydrolysis

The breaking down of larger molecules into smaller ones by the addition of water; digests polymers into monomers; water is a reactant.

Lipids

Non polar molecules made of C, H, O, and (P) in phospholipids; not a polymer; functional groups include carboxyl and hydroxyl; examples include fats and steroids.

Triglycerides

A category of lipids made of one glycerol and 3 fatty acids used for NRT storage.

Saturated Fats

Animal fats that contain only single $C - C$ bonds and are solid at room temperature.

Unsaturated Fats

Plant and fish fats that contain double $C - C$ bonds and are liquid at room temperature.

Phospholipids

Made of 1 glycerol with a phosphate group and 2 fatty acids; forms the cell membrane.

Steroids

Lipids made of 4 fused rings; functions include cholesterol in cell membranes and hormones like estrogen and testosterone.

Carbohydrates

Polymers made of C, H, O, (N) with hydroxyl and carbonyl groups; monomers are monosaccharides bonded by glycosidic linkages; transcript notes: Non polar (will dissolve in water).

Monosaccharides (simple sugars)

The building blocks of larger molecules with the general formula $CH_2O$; examples include Glucose, ribose, deoxyribose, fructose, and galactose.

Disaccharides

Two monosaccharides bonded together with the formula $C_nH_{2n-2}O_{n-1}$; examples include Sucrose (table sugar), Lactose (milk sugar), and Maltose (beer sugar).

Polysaccharides

Many monosaccharides bonded together for storage or building; examples include Cellulose (plant walls), Glycogen (animal storage), Starch (plant sugar), and Chitin (exoskeletons).

Proteins (Polypeptides)

Polymers made of amino acid monomers; contains C, H, O, N, (S) and functional groups like carboxyl and amino; function determined by structure.

Amino acids

The 20 different monomers of proteins, made different by their specific R groups.

Primary structure

The sequence of amino acids that make up the polypeptides, held together by peptide bonds.

Secondary structure

Hydrogen bonding between parts of the backbone components ($N - C - C - O$); involves components other than the R group.

Tertiary structure

The overall shape of the polypeptide determined by bonding between R groups, including disulfide bridges, hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, and ionic bonding.

Quaternary structure

The overall shape of a protein consisting of 2 or more polypeptide chains; utilizes some bonds found in tertiary structure.