Molecules of Life Flashcards
(95 cards)
Organic Chemistry
deals with organic compounds
Cell composition
70 – 95% water, the rest is carbon based compounds
Major elements in living things:
C, O, H, N, S, P
Organic compounds-
compounds containing
carbon bonded to carbon–only formed within living things (usually also has H)
Inorganic compounds-
compounds that do not contain
carbon bonded to carbon–found in living + non living world
Carbon
4 valence electrons. Most likely to share electrons in covalent bonds- can form four directions of bonds
What different shapes can carbon compounds can take on?
straight (chain), branched, closed rings
Assume H are bonded to the extra Cs
Hydrocarbons-
contain only
C and H. Major component of
fossil fuels. Store large amounts of
organic compounds
Isomers-
compounds that have the same molecular formula but
different structural formulas
Structural isomers-
differ in arrangement of atoms
Geometric isomers
same arrangement, but
subtle differences in shape or in spatial arrangement
Stereoisomers
mirror images- one is
active and inactive
Functional Groups
Groups of atoms attached to
carbon skeletons; Most commonly involved in
chemical reaction; Each gives unique properties to the molecule
Polymer-
large molecule consisting of many identical or similar subunits strung together
monomer
each individual subunit
one nucleotide/monomer of a dna molecule
sugar+phosphate+base
Condensation/ dehydration synthesis-
links monomers together
by removing one
water molecule for each monomer added
synthesis
build up
how does condensation work
One molecule contributes the
H and the other contributes the OH. Each monomer bonds each other covalently. Requires energy.
Hydrolysis
reverse of above- breaking bonds in a
polymer by adding water. H from water attaches to one molecule
OH from water attaches to adjacent molecule
releases energy
Carbohydrates (sugars, starches) shape
rings
Monosaccharides
carbohydrate sugars; singular; have formula of
CH2O in multiples.
- If these monosaccharides are not used immediately, they can form larger sugars for long term storage (humans–be stored in the liver as glycogen)
Monosaccharides ex
Glucose (C6H12O6) Major nutrient for cells. During cellular respiration-cells release energy stored in glucose molecules
Disaccharides:
double sugar consisting of 2 monosaccharides joined by a covalent bond