BIOL 151 Chapter 4: Textbook Notes

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27 Jun 2015
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Carbon atoms usually complete their valence shells by sharing four electrons in other atoms with single or double covalent bonds so that eight valence electrons are present. Each carbon atom then acts as an intersection point from which a molecule can branch off in four directions. This enhances carbon"s versatility as a molecule, and allows it to make very complex molecules. When a carbon atom forms single covalent bonds, the molecule appears like methane and ethane. When two carbon atoms are joined by a double covalent bond, all bonds around those carbon are in the same plane, like in ethylene. Carbon chains form the skeletons of most organic molecules. There is much variation in the molecular complexity and diversity of these chains. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules consisting of only hydrogen and carbon. Atoms of hydrogen are attached to the carbon wherever there is an available site for covalent bonding. Hydrocarbons are hydrophobic compounds that do not dissolve in water.

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