Carbon and its Molecular Diversity (Chapter 4) “Carbon is unparalleled in its ability to form organic molecules...” The huge variety of organic molecules explains why there is so much diversity among organisms.

Organic molecules contain C Examples: CH4 C6H12O6 H1138C526O297N164S18 Inorganic molecules do not contain C Examples NH3, CO2 H20 Exception to rule: CO2 is considered to be inorganic

Carbon Dioxide is Inorganic?

The source of carbon for all organic molecules is Carbon Dioxide Plants combine CO2 from the air and combine it with H20 to make simple organic molecules during photosynthesis. Animals then eat plants to obtain carbon

I) Carbon is able to form 4 covalent bonds What makes carbon so special that it is the element that forms so may diverse organic molecules? I) Carbon is able to form 4 covalent bonds a) Covalent bonds can be single covalent or double covalent

2) Carbon can bond with other carbon atoms to form carbon skeletons Can vary in length Can be straight or branched Can have double bonds which vary in location Can be arranged into rings

Hydrocarbons: only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms 3) Hydrogen atoms can attach to carbon skeletons to form hydrocarbons. Hydrocarbons: only contain carbon and hydrogen atoms - are non-polar molecules …have no charge are hydrophobic release lots of energy when undergoing chemical reactions Example: fossil fuels, fats

4) Functional groups can attach to hydrocarbon skeletons Configuration of atoms that - are involved in chemical reactions - give the molecule a unique function - can make the molecule hydrophilic

Functional groups for you to know - OH hydroxyl group COOH acid group or carboxyl NH2 amino group PO4 phosphate group

Synthesis and Breakdown of Polymers

Macromolecules are polymers, built out of monomers Polymer – long molecule composed of many similar building blocks linked by covalent bonds Monomer – small molecule that serves as a building block

Polymers are produced by dehydration synthesis reactions - Water is removed - “Dehydrate as compounds are synthesized”

Polymers breakdown into monomers by hydrolysis reactions - Hydrolysis reactions add water - “using water” to “break” bonds