Characteristics of Organic Molecules

Figure 4.2 The shapes of three simple organic molecules

Figure 4.4 Variations in carbon skeletons

Figure 4.4x Hydrocarbons: molecular models Butane Isobutane Hexane Cyclohexane

Figure 4.5 The role of hydrocarbons in fats

Figure 4.6 Three types of isomers Different structures can be built from the same molecular formula.

Shape matters! Simply having the same molecular formula does not make molecules the same. The arrangement of atoms and placement of functional groups can dramatically change function.

Figure 4.6ax Structural isomers

Figure 4.7 The pharmacological importance of enantiomers

Figure 4.8 A comparison of functional groups of female (estradiol) and male (testosterone) sex hormones Functional Groups give molecules distinctive properties.

Six functional groups are important in the chemistry of life Hydroxyl Carbonyl Carboxyl Amino Sulfhydryl Phosphate

Five of the big 6 groups – which was not in your book?

Phosphate group: O O P OH OH Critical for moving energy from molecule to molecule