THE VERSATILITY OF CARBON-THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE!
AP Biology: Organic Compounds
Why Carbon Compounds? (Why not another element?
Bonding Properties4 Covalent BondsEndless possibilities!
Living Organisms and Carbon
All life is built on Carbon
75% Water25% Carbon
compounds!Four Types:--Carbohydrates--Lipids--Proteins--Nucleic Acids
Hydrocarbons
These are examples of hydrocarbons.
-Hydrophobic-Stable-Very little attraction between molecules-Mostly gases at normal temperatures and pressures
Hydrocarbons Can Grow
Isomers
Molecules with the same elements, but with different physical structures
They have different chemical properties and can affect living systems in different ways.
Form Affects Function
Structural differences create important functional significance
Example: medicines
L-version active but not D-version
sometimes withtragic results…
Form Affects Function
Thalidomide prescribed to pregnant women in 50s &
60s reduced morning sickness, but… stereoisomer caused severe birth defects
Functional Groups of Carbon Compounds
Parts of organic molecules that are involved in chemical reactions give organic
molecules distinctive properties
n hydroxyln aminon carbonyl n carboxyln sulfhydryln phosphaten methyl
Effects of Different Functional Groups
Basic structure of male & female hormones is identical attachment of different functional groups
interacts with different targets in the body—produces different effects!
Hydroxyl Group
-OHOrganic compounds with OH groups are
called alcoholsNames typically end in “ol” (example:
ethanol)
Amino Group
-NH2Carbon compounds attached to NH2 are
called amines--NH2 acts as a base and can easily pick up
H+ ionsFound in amino acids
Carbonyl Group
Carbon double-bonded to oxygenMay be in the middle or at the end of the
carbon chain
Carboxyl Group
Carbon is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to a hydroxyl (OH) group.
Compounds with a Carboxyl group (COOH) are acids.
Examples: Amino Acids, Fatty Acids
Sulfhydryl Group
-SHCarbon compound is bonded to a sulfur-
hydrogen group. Compounds with sulfhydryl groups are called
thiols.Sulfhydryl groups stabilize protein molecules.
Phosphate Group
-PO4Lots of oxygen=lots of negative charge!
(Why?)Highly reactive groupTransfers energy between organic molecules
(ex: ATP)
Methyl Group
CH3May be attached to any carbon on a
compound.