Properties of Carbon

Atomic Structure Nucleus is made up of positively charged protons and neutral neutrons Negatively charged electrons orbit the nucleus

Atom Interactions Atoms join together to make molecules Two types of bonds: Ionic-Atoms donate or accept electrons Covalent-Atoms share electrons *Covalent bonds are stronger than ionic bonds!

Atom Interactions

Characteristics of Molecules Polarity-unequal sharing of electrons in a covalent bond End up with a slight positive side and a slight negative side Polarity can be caused by some atoms being much larger than other atoms in the molecule Electrons spend more time around a bigger nucleus

Characteristics of Molecules

Chemical Formula There are 3 parts to a chemical formula: There are 3 Na and 6 O in this molecule

Chemical Formula Molecule: 2 or more elements chemically bonded together. Can be the same element or different elements Symbols with 2 letters have an upper case followed by a lower case Coefficient: big # in front of a compound or element Subscript: Small number after an element or molecule

Chemical Formula

Chemical Reactions When some molecules are placed together, chemical reactions may occur. This makes NEW compounds!

Chemical Reactions Reactants-Molecules going INTO a reaction Products-Molecules coming OUT of a reaction Matter is neither created or destroyed! This means that your reactions must be balanced! # of atoms on reactant side = # of atoms on product side

Balancing Chemical Equations

Carbon Properties Most abundant atom in living things Makes 4 strong covalent bonds Allows for a variety of different shapes of molecules Leads to a variety of functions Makes up important biomolecules like carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids Organic compounds

Carbon Properties Most atoms want 4 valence electrons in their outer shell Carbon has 4 which means it can make 4 more bonds to get to 8 Can form rings, chains or branched molecules

Carbon in ALL Living Things The 4 major biochemical compounds: Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic Acids They ALL contain carbon They are involved in ALL life processes Ex: using food for energy, giving structure to cells, transmitting information, storing genetic information

Biogeochemical Cycles Recycle matter between organisms and the environment

The Carbon Cycle

The Carbon Cycle Processes Involved: Carbon Exchanged Between: Photosynthesis Cellular respiration Digestion of plant matter Decomposition Combustion Biosphere Atmosphere Oceans Geosphere

Photosynthesis & Cellular Respiration

Photosynthesis Uses the energy from sunlight to convert water and carbon dioxide into high-energy sugars and oxygen Plants do this!

Cellular Respiration Releases energy by breaking down glucose (or other food molecules) in the presence of oxygen Responsible for most of our stored energy All living things do this!

Carbon Cycle LINKS Photosynthesis to Cellular Respiration The products of photosynthesis are required for cellular respiration The products of cellular respiration are required for photosynthesis

Water Cycle

Oxygen Cycle