Introduction to Biology: The Chemistry of Carbon

AENEBARS CHARCOAL

• Price range: $57-66

THE CHEMISTRY OF CARBON

Learning Goals

• Atoms

  • Define what atoms are.

  • Describe their structure.

  • Explain how they bond.

• Water

  • Understand water's features that support all forms of life.

• Carbohydrates

  • Describe the structure and function of carbohydrates.

• Lipids

  • Describe the structure and function of lipids.

• Proteins

  • Describe the structure and function of proteins.

• Nucleic Acids

  • Describe the structure and function of nucleic acids.

BIO 111 INTRODUCTION TO BIOLOGY

Opening Roadmap

• Chemistry is intimately linked to the evolution of life.

• Key questions addressed:

  • How are atoms, ions, and molecules structured and bonded?

  • How do chemical reactions occur?

• Key areas of focus:

  • 2.1: Atoms and their structure.

  • 2.2: Unique properties of water.

  • 2.3: Chemical bonding in molecules.

  • 2.4: Carbon's role in life.

  • 2.5: Evolution of life.

WHY STUDY CARBON?

• Carbon Compounds in Living Organisms:

  • Plants, algae, and many bacteria are classified as autotrophs, contributing to 25% of body carbon compounds, comprising:

  • Proteins/Enzymes

    • Organic compounds made up of carbon forms.

  • Carbohydrates

    • Comprising carbon, oxygen, and hydrogen.

  • Lipids

    • Comprising carbon and hydrogen mainly.

  • Nucleic Acids

    • Essential for genetic information.

  • Animals, fungi, and many bacteria are heterotrophs that rely on these compounds.

MATTER AND ELEMENTS

Properties of Carbon

• Origin of the Name: Latin "carbo" means coal.

• Atomic Information:

  • Atomic Mass: 12

  • Atomic Number: 6

  • Symbol: C

• Significance:

  • Fourth most abundant element in the universe.

  • Non-metallic, tetravalent atom capable of forming four bonds.

• Carbon Isotopes:

  • Common Isotopes:

  • $^{12}C$

  • $^{13}C$

  • $^{14}C$

BONDS AND STRUCTURES OF CARBON

Carbon Bonding

• Carbon forms four covalent bonds, allowing for various structures:

  • Single Bonds:

  • e.g., $H<em>3C - CH</em>3$ (Alkane structure)

  • Double Bonds:

  • e.g., $C=C$ (Alkene structure)

  • Triple Bonds:

  • e.g., $C riple C$ (Alkyne structure)

Hydrocarbons

• Definition: Hydrocarbons are compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen.

• Types:

  • Methane (CH₄): Simplest hydrocarbon, non-polar and hydrophobic.

  • Alkanes, Alkenes, and Alkynes: Varieties of hydrocarbons distinguished by the type of bonds between carbon atoms.

Chain and Structure Variations

• Hydrocarbons can vary in:

  • Length (e.g., Ethane, Propane, Butane)

  • Branching (e.g., Isobutane)

  • Double Bonds (e.g., 1-Butene, 2-Butene)

  • Rings (e.g., Cyclohexane, Benzene)

Implications of Bond Types

• Certain bond types lead to:

  • Planar Molecular Structures: No rotation around double bonds (e.g., ethylene and acetylene).

MOLECULAR DIVERSITY

Structural Variation in Hydrocarbons

• Ethane (C₂H₆) vs. Ethanol (C₂H₅OH)

  • Functional groups substitute hydrogen atoms to confer different biological effects.

Functional Groups

• Definition: Groups of atoms that confer specific properties to organic compounds.

• Types:

  • Hydroxyl (-OH): Forms alcohols.

  • Carbonyl (C=O): Includes aldehydes and ketones.

  • Carboxyl (-COOH): Found in fatty acids and amino acids; characterized by inherent acidity.

  • Amino (-NH₂): Acts as a base, typically found in amino acids.

  • Phosphate (-PO₄): Highly reactive and involved in energy transfer.

BIOMOLECULAR SIMILARITIES AND DIFFERENCES

Steroisomers

• Molecules can have the same molecular formula but differ in structure and function (e.g., L-DOPA vs. D-DOPA).

Hormonal Structures

• Basic structure of male (Testosterone) and female hormones (Estrogen) is similar but differs at functional groups that affect reactivity and biological function.

CONCLUSION

• The diverse nature of carbon and its compounds underlies the complexity and adaptability of biological systems in living organisms on Earth.