Bio ch: 4

What is organic chemistry based around?

Carbon

Why is carbon key to the origin of life?

Carbon-based life forms

How many electrons does a carbon atom have?

6

How many electrons are in the first shell of a carbon atom?

2

How many electrons are in the valence shell of a carbon atom?

4

What is the maximum number of covalent bonds a carbon atom can form?

4

What are hydrocarbons?

Organic molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen

What are isomers?

Variations in the architecture of organic molecules

What are structural isomers?

Isomers that differ in the covalent arrangement of their atoms

What are cis-trans isomers?

when C double bonds with C, neither carbon can rotate, therefore, the configuration of other atoms bonded to each C may be opposite (trans) or same (cis)

What are enantiomers?

Mirror images of each other that differ in shape due to the presence of an asymmetric carbon

What are functional groups?

Chemical groups directly involved in chemical reactions

Properties of functional groups

each has certain properties- shape, charge--\> cause characteristic reactions

What are the properties of hydroxyl group?

Polar due to electron-negative oxygen, forms hydrogen bonds with water, dissolves compounds

What is an example of a compound with a hydroxyl group?

Alcohol

What is the function of a carbonyl group?

Sugar +, ketones and aldehydes/aldoses

What is the function of a carboxyl group?

Acts as an acid, (can donate H+) because covalent bond between oxygen and hydrogen is so polar

What is the function of an amino group?

Acts as a base, can pick up H+ from surrounding solution

What is the function of a sulfhydryl group?

Forms a 'cross-link' that helps stabilize protein structure

What is the function of a phosphate group?

Contributes a negative charge, reacts with water, releases energy

\-1 when at the inside or a chain of phosphates

\-2 when at the end of a chain

phosphate group

What is the function of a methyl group?

It affects gene expression when bonded to DNA or to proteins that bind to DNA and the shape and function of sex hormones