Introduction to Organic Chemistry

These flashcards encompass key vocabulary terms from the lecture on organic chemistry, focused on organic molecules, carbon, and biological macromolecules.

Organic Molecules

Molecules that contain both carbon and hydrogen; often complex.

Inorganic Molecules

Molecules that do not contain carbon and hydrogen; often small and contain ionic bonds.

Carbon Atom

A central atom in organic chemistry; can form four covalent bonds and is key to organic molecule structures.

Chemical Formulas

Expressions that represent the arrangement of atoms in a molecule, including molecular and structural forms.

Drug Isomerism

Phenomenon where isomers have the same molecular formula but different structural formulas, affecting their chemical properties.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms that confer particular chemical properties to a molecule, such as hydroxyl -OH and carboxyl -COOH.

Macromolecules

Large organic compounds often formed by polymers of monomers, critical for life functions.

Carbohydrates

Organic molecules made of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen; include sugars and starches.

Proteins

Versatile molecules made of amino acids; serve structural and functional roles in the body.

Nucleic Acids

Bio-molecules like DNA and RNA that carry genetic information.

Lipids

Nonpolar molecules that include fats, oils, and waxes; important for energy storage and cellular structures.

Triglycerides

Type of lipid formed from glycerol and three fatty acids; major form of stored energy.

Hydrolysis

Chemical process that breaks down macromolecules by adding water.

Dehydration Synthesis

Process that joins monomers to form macromolecules by removing water.

Amino Acids

Building blocks of proteins, characterized by an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a variable R group.

Peptide Bonds

Covalent bonds that link amino acids together in a protein.

Hyrophobic

Property of molecules that do not interact well with water; nonpolar.

Hydrophilic

Property of molecules that interact well with water; polar.

Phosphate Group

Functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms; important in DNA, RNA, and ATP.

Cholesterol

A type of lipid involved in cellular structure and signaling; has both dietary and synthesized forms.

Glycemic Index

A measure that ranks foods based on their effects on blood glucose levels.