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Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life

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Title: Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life


1
Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
2
Carbon atoms are the most versatile building
blocks of molecules
  • Carbon atom
  • Atomic number of 6 4 valence electrons
  • Completes its outer energy shell by sharing
    valence electrons in four covalent bonds.

3
Carbon atoms are the most versatile building
blocks of molecules Cont
  • Emergent properties, such as the kinds and number
    of bonds carbon will form, are determined by
    their tetravalent electron configuration.
  • It makes large, complex molecules possible. The
    carbon atom is a central point from which the
    molecule branches off into four directions.
  • It gives carbon covalent compatibility with many
    different elements. The four major atomic
    components of organic molecules

4
Variation in carbon skeletons contributions to
the diversity of organic molecules.
  • Covalent bonds link carbon atoms together in long
    chains that form the skeleton framework for
    organic molecules. These carbon skeletons may
    vary in
  • Length
  • Shape (straight chain, branched, ring)
  • Number and location of double bonds
  • Other elements covalently bond to available sites

5
Variation in carbon skeletons contributions to
the diversity of organic molecules. Cont
  • Hydrocarbons molecules containing only carbon
    and hydrogen
  • Are major components of fossils fuels produced
    from the organic remains of organisms living
    millions of years ago.
  • Have a diversity of carbon skeletons which
    produce molecules of various lengths and shapes.
  • Biologically important molecules have regions
    consisting of hydrocarbon chains (e.g. fats)
  • Hydrocarbon chains are hydrophobic because the
    C-C and C-H bonds are nonpolar.

6
Functional Groups
  • Contribute to the molecular diversity of life.
  • Frequently bonded to the carbon skeleton of
    organic molecules.
  • Have specific chemical and physical properties.
  • Are the regions of organic molecules which are
    commonly chemically reactive

7
Hydroxyl Group
  • -OH
  • Polar group
  • Makes the molecule it is attached water soluble.
  • Polar water molecules are attracted to the polar
    hydroxyl group which can form hydrogen bonds.
  • Organic compounds are called Alcohols

8
Carbonyl group
  • -CO
  • Is a polar group
  • The oxygen can be involved in hydrogen bonding.
  • Molecules are water soluble.
  • Is a functional group found in sugars.
  • If the carbonyl is at the end of the carbon
    skeleton, the compound is an aldehyde.
  • If the carbonyl is at the middle of the carbon
    skeleton, the compound is a ketone.

9
Carboxyl Group
  • -COOH
  • Is a polar group and water soluble.
  • Has acidic properties, since it donates protons.
  • Compounds are called carboxylic acids.

10
Amino Group
  • -NH2
  • Is a polar and soluble in water.
  • Acts as a weak base.
  • The unshared pair of electrons on the nitrogen
    can accept a proton, giving the amino group a 1
    charge.
  • Compounds are called amines.

11
Sulfhydryl group
  • -SH
  • Helps stabilize the structure of proteins
  • Disulfide bridges in tertiary structures
  • Compounds are called thiols.

12
Phosphate Group
  • Dissociated form of phosphoric acid
  • H3PO4
  • Has acid properties since it loses protons.
  • Polar group and soluble in water.
  • Organic phosphates are important in cellular
    energy storage and transfer.
  • ATP

13
Methyl group
  • -CH3
  • Methylated compound
  • These compounds may have their function modified
    due to the addition of the methyl group.
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