BIOL 1001 Chapter : BIO CH3
Document Summary
Organic- molecules containing a carbon skeleton bonded to hydrogen atoms. Inorganic- carbon dioxide and all molecules without carbon (h2o) The carbon atom is versatile because it has four electrons in an outermost shell that can hold 8. So, carbon can become stable by forming up to 4 bonds (single, double or triple) Because of this organic molecules can have complex shapes, including branched chains, rings, sheets, and helices. Functional groups- (in organic molecules) determine the characteristics and chemical reactivity of the molecules. Functional groups are less stable than the carbon backbone and are more likely to participate in chemical reactions. Carbohydrate molecules are composed of c,h, o in the ratio 1:2:1. Carbohydrates are important energy sources for most organisms. Most small carbs are water-soluble due to the polar oh functional group. Most carbon atoms have a hydrogen(-h) and hydroxyl group (-oh) attached to them. Most carbs have the approximate chemical formula (ch2o)n, n= number of carbons in backbone.
