AP Bio Unit 1 Topic 2

Functional groups

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

Organic chemistry

The study of compounds with covalently bonded carbon

Organic compounds

Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen

Hydrocarbons

Organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen

Macromolecule

Large molecules formed from carbon

What makes carbon such a versatile element?

Carbon has 4 valence electrons, so it will readily bond with many other elements

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

They participate in chemical reactions which create and break bonds between organic molecules

What is the difference between hydrocarbons and other organic molecules?

Hydrocarbons only have hydrogen and carbon, and other organic molecules have other elements