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General Biology: Carbon and Functional Groups

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이 집합의 용어 (25)

  • Why is carbon special in biological molecules?
    Carbon has 4 valence electrons, allowing it to form 4 covalent bonds, enabling long chains, branches, and rings essential for large, varied biological molecules.
  • How many covalent bonds can carbon form and why is this important?
    Carbon forms 4 covalent bonds, allowing complex structures like chains and rings, unlike hydrogen (1), oxygen (2), or nitrogen (3).
  • What shape does carbon form when bonded to 4 atoms with single bonds?
    A tetrahedral shape, which is a 3D pyramid, not flat.
  • What happens to the shape of a molecule when two carbons share a double bond?
    The molecule becomes flat/planar at the double bond.
  • Describe the structure of methane (CH4).
    One carbon bonded to 4 hydrogens in a tetrahedral shape.
  • Describe the structure of ethane (C2H6).
    Two carbons single-bonded to each other, each bonded to 3 hydrogens.
  • Describe the structure of ethene (ethylene, C2H4).
    Two carbons double-bonded, each bonded to 2 hydrogens; molecule is flat.
  • List four ways carbon skeletons can vary.
    Length, branching, position of double bonds, and presence of rings.
  • What are hydrocarbons and why are they important biologically?
    Molecules of only carbon and hydrogen; they are hydrophobic and store large amounts of energy.
  • What are structural isomers?
    Molecules with the same formula but different atom connectivity, e.g., pentane vs. 2-methylbutane.
  • What are cis-trans (geometric) isomers?
    Isomers with the same bonds but different group arrangements around a double bond; cis groups on same side, trans on opposite sides.
  • What are enantiomers?
    Mirror-image molecules that cannot be superimposed, labeled L (left) and D (right).
  • What is a functional group in biology?
    A specific small group of atoms attached to a carbon skeleton that determines molecule behavior and properties.
  • How do functional groups affect molecules with the same carbon skeleton?
    Different functional groups can cause molecules to behave very differently despite similar carbon skeletons.
  • Name the seven key functional groups to know.
    Hydroxyl, Carbonyl, Carboxyl, Amino, Sulfhydryl, Phosphate, Methyl.
  • Property and example of the hydroxyl group (–OH).
    Polar; makes molecules hydrophilic and able to dissolve in water.
  • Property and example of the carbonyl group (C=O).
    Found in sugars; important in carbohydrate structure.
  • Property and example of the carboxyl group (–COOH).
    Acts as an acid by releasing H+ ions.
  • Property and example of the amino group (–NH2).
    Acts as a base by accepting H+ ions.
  • Property and role of the sulfhydryl group (–SH).
    Can form disulfide bonds important for protein shape.
  • Property and role of the phosphate group (–OPO3²⁻).
    Negatively charged; key in energy transfer, e.g., ATP.
  • Property and role of the methyl group (–CH3).
    Nonpolar; affects molecule shape and gene expression.
  • What is ATP and why is it important?
    Adenosine triphosphate stores energy in phosphate bonds used to power cellular processes.
  • What happens when ATP reacts with water?
    ATP loses its outer phosphate, becoming ADP + Pi + energy.
  • Write the reaction for ATP hydrolysis.
    ATP + H2O → ADP + Pi + energy.