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Chapter 4
Carbon and the Molecular Diversity of Life
48
Biology
Undergraduate 1
10/04/2010

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Term
How does Carbon enter the biosphere? 
Definition
Through the action of plants, which use solar energy to transform atmospheric CO2 into the molecules of life. 
Term
What are compounds that contain Carbon called? 
Definition
Organic. 
Term
What are the major elements of life? 
Definition
C, H, O, N, S and P
Term
Vitalism 
Definition
The belief in a life force outside the jurisdiction of physical and chemical laws
Term
Who was Friedrich Wohler? 
Definition
Friedrich Wohler, in an attempt to make an "inorganic salt", mixed ammonium ions with cyanate ions, and created urea, an organic compound and partially disproved Vitalism. However, part of his experiment included blood, so people were not wholly convinced. 
Term
Describe Stanley Miller's experiment. 
Definition
Stanley Miller set up a closed chamber, that was supposed to have existed on the early Earth. Water was heated, and then water vapor entered an atmosphere with methane, ammonia, and hydrogen gas, which an electrode was passed through. That was condensed, and cooled, and the cooled water contained organic molecules. 
Term
How many electrons does Carbon have? How many valence electrons does Carbon have? 
Definition
Carbon has 6 electrons, with 4 valence electrons. 
Term
What is relevant about Carbon's tetravalent structure? 
Definition
Carbon's tetravalent structure makes it able to act as an intersection point from which a molecule can branch off in as many as four directions. 
Term
What kind of bonds bind Carbon to Oxygen? 
Definition
Double Covalent bonds bind Carbon to Oxygen. 
Term
What are the different formations of Carbon chains? 
Definition
Branched, arranged in closed rings, straight
Term
Hydrocarbon
Definition
organic molecules consisting only of hydrogen and carbon 
Term
Why are hydrocarbon tails hydrophobic? 
Definition
They are hydrophobic because they are nonpolar (or mostly nonpolar) 
Term
What are several characteristics of hydrocarbons? 
Definition
Hydrocarbons are generally able to release a relatively large amount of energy, and are hydrophobic. 
Term
Structural isomers
Definition
differ in the covalent arrangements of their atoms. 
Term
Geometric Isomers
Definition
have the same covalent partnerships, unlike structural isomers, but differ in their spatial arrangements
Term
Cis isomer
Definition
The arrangement with both X's on the same side of the double bond
Term
Trans isomer
Definition
X's on opposite sides
Term
enantiomers
Definition
isomers that are mirror images of each other 
Term
Why is it important to be aware of enantiomers? 
Definition
Because in pharmaceuticals one isomer may be harmful while one helps. A good example is thalidomide - the one prescribed for thousands of pregnant women in the late 1950s, that stopped morning sickness but caused severe birth defects.
Term
What are differences between hydrocarbons?
Definition
Double bonds, Rings, Lengths, Branching
Term
L Isomer
Definition
A left enantiomer
Term
Hydroxyl
Definition
-OH
Term
What is the name of compounds with hydroxyl groups?
Definition
Alcohols
Term
What are some functional properties of alcohols?
Definition
They are polar as a result of the electrons spending more time near the electronegative oxygen atom. They can also form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, helping dissolve organic compounds such as sugars.
Term
Carbonyl group
Definition
-C=O
Term
What are the names of compounds with Carbonyl groups?
Definition

Ketones - if the carbonyl group is within a carbon skeleton

Aldehydes - if the carbonyl group is at the end of a carbon skeleton

Term
Carboxyl group
Definition
-COOH
Term
What are some functional properties of Ketones or Aldehydes?
Definition
A Ketone and an Aldehyde may be structural isomers with different properties. They are found in sugars. Sugars that contain aldehydes are aldoses, and ketoses that contain ketone.
Term
What are the name of compounds that contain Carboxyl groups?
Definition
Carboxylic acids
Term
What are some functional properties of Carboxylic Acids?
Definition
They have acidic properties because the covalent bond between oxygen and hydrogen is so polar. It is very easy for the Hydrogen proton to dissasociate and release an H+ into the solution.
Term
Amino Group
Definition
-NH2
Term
What are the name of compounds with an amino group?
Definition
Amines
Term
What is a compound with both a carboxyl group and an amine group?
Definition
An amino acid.
Term
What are some functional properties of amines?
Definition
They act as bases - can pick up H+ from the surrounding solutions.
Term
Sulfhydryl
Definition
-SH
Term
What are compounds that contain sulfhydryl groups called?
Definition
Thiols
Term
What are functional properties of sulfhydryl groups?
Definition
Two sulfhydryl groups can react, forming a covalent bond. This is called cross-linking and helps stabilize protein structure.
Term
Phosphate
Definition
PO4
Term
What is the name of compounds that contain phosphate groups?
Definition
Organic phosphates
Term
What are some functional properties of organic phosphates?
Definition
Phosphate groups contribute negative charges to the molecule. They also have the potential of reacting with water, which releases energy.
Term
Methyl
Definition
CH3
Term
What is the name of a compound with a methyl group?
Definition
Methylated compounds
Term
What are some functional properties of methylated compounds?
Definition
The addition of a methyl group to DNA, or to molecules bound to DNA affects expression of genes. Also are important in sex hormones.
Term
What is ATP?
Definition
Adenosine + 3 organic phosphates.
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