1. Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
Chapter 4

2. Goals
Explain how carbon’s electron configuration explains its ability to form large, complex, diverse organic molecules
Name the major functional groups found in organic molecules; describe the basic structure of each and outline the chemical properties of the organic molecules in which they occur
Explain how ATP functions as the primary energy transfer molecule in living cells

3. Carbon is unparalleled in its ability to form molecules that are large, complex and diverse. Why?
It has 4 valence electrons
It can form up to 4 covalent bonds (tetravalence)
These can be single, double, or triple covalent bonds
Most frequently partners with O, N, and H (CHON – 4 essential elements for life)
It can form large organic molecules
These molecules can be chains, rings, or branches

5. Hydrocarbons Organic molecules consisting of only carbon and hydrogen
A major component of petroleum and gasoline (fossil fuels) because they consist of partially decomposed remains of living organisms
Found in fats in our body. Fats have long hydrocarbon tails attached to a non-hydrocarbon component.
Hydrophobic because the carbon-hydrogen bond is nonpolar
Can store/release large amounts of energy

6. Isomers
Compounds that have the same molecular formula but different structures and properties
There are 3 types of isomers:
Structural isomers differ in how their atoms are joined
Geometric isomers differ in the arrangement of atoms around a double bond
Enantiomers are isomers that are mirror images of each other

8. Pharmacological Importance of Enantiomers
Ibuprofen and albuterol are examples of drugs whose enantiomers have different effects. Ibuprofen reduces inflammation and pain. It is commonly sold as a mixture of the two enantiomers. The S enantiomer is 100 times more effective than the other. Albuterol is used to relax bronchial muscles, improving airflow in asthma patients. Only R- albuterol is synthesized and sold as a drug; the S form counteracts the active R-form.

9. Functional groups
Chemical groups most important in the processes of life
Attach to the carbon skeleton and have diverse properties
The behavior of organic molecules is dependent on the identity of their functional groups.
The number and arrangement of functional groups give each molecule its unique properties
Functional groups:
Hydroxyl
Carbonyl
Carboxyl
Amino
Sulfhydryl
Phosphate
Methyl
# 1-6 are all hydrophilic and increase the solubility of organic compounds in water
This group is nonreactive and acts as a recognizable tag on biological molecules

10. ATP – Adenosine Triphosphate
Composed of adenosine and 3 phosphate groups
Important molecule for cells
Reacts with water causing the release of a phosphate group
The new molecule is ADP, adenosine diphosphate
The release of a phosphate group releases energy which cells can use