Biochemistry Chapter 3

Carbon Bonding Two categories of compounds: Organic: made mostly of carbon Most living things Inorganic: mostly without carbon

Carbon Bonding Carbon’s versatility: Carbon atoms have 4 electrons in its outermost energy level; therefore it readily forms 4 covalent bonds it can bond with other elements but, more importantly, with other carbons. This creates enormous variety: straight carbon chains branched carbon chains carbon rings double and triple bonds

Carbon Chains H H H H H H C C C C H H C H H H H H H H H H C C C H H H STRAIGHT CARBON CHAIN C H H H BRANCHED CARBON CHAIN

Carbon Chains H H H H C C H H C C H H C C H H H H CARBON RING

Single vs Double Bonds

Functional Groups: clusters of atoms that hang together lend the molecules they attach to “personalities.” Refer to the table on page 52

Large Carbon Molecules Monomers: small, simple molecules Polymers: made up of monomers; consists of repeated, linked units

Large Carbon Molecules Making polymers from monomers: monomers polymers: by condensation reactions. H+ and OH- are removed to create bonding sites. This makes water. see p.53

Large Carbon Molecules Breaking polymers down into monomers: Hydrolysis: reverse of condensation reaction Adding water, under the right circumstances, allows for polymers to be broken down into monomers See page 53

Energy Currency Adenosine Triphosphate or ATP A--PPP -- = low-energy bond;  = high-energy bond P is transferred to other molecules. When the bond breaks, energy is given off to do work, like make muscles contract.