Chemistry of Living Things Organic Compounds

Types of Compounds Easy definition: – Organic – compounds that contain carbon and have a biological origin – Inorganic – doesn’t

Organic Compounds Contains carbon atoms that are covalently bonded to other carbon atoms and/or other elements. Typically hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen All living things are made of organic compounds

Carbon Bonding Carbon – 4 electrons in outer energy level – Forms four covalent bonds Carbon typically bond with other carbon molecules

Single Bonding

Can also make double and triple bonds Benzene Ring Acetylene

Functional Groups Influences the properties of the molecules they compose

Functional Group Example: Hydroxyl Group (-OH) Hydroxyl groups form alcohols Makes the non-polar molecule polar Allows for hydrogen bonds Ethanol

Large Carbon Molecules Large carbon molecules are made of smaller parts called monomers. Polymer –chain of organic molecules bonded together – Have similar or identical structure to each other Large polymers are called Macromolecules

Condensation Reactions Type of reaction used when two monomers are linked together. Energy is needed to put the two together

Condensation Reaction Continued Sucrose (table sugar) + H 2 O

Hydrolysis Reaction Exactly the opposite of condensation Releases Energy **Sucrase is an enzyme that catalyzes the reaction shown**

Energy The main energy molecule of life is Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) Phosphates are removed from the molecule (in water) and it releases energy