Questions and Answers
How many valence electrons does each carbon atom have?
four
What gives carbon the ability to form chains that are almost unlimited in length?
A carbon atom can bond to other carbon atoms
Many of the molecules in living cells are so large they are called________
macromolecules
____________ is the process that forms large organic molecules
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When two or more ____________ join together, a polymer forms
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What are carbs composed of?
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What are lipids composed of?
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What are nucleic acids composed of?
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What are proteins composed of?
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What are carbohydrates' function?
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What are lipids function?
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What are nucleic acids function?
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What are proteins function?
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How did organic compounds get their name? How is the word related to its meaning?
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Which type of molecule includes an example with a long-chain carbon backbone?
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In the molecule referred to in the previous question, what is the dominant element attached to the carbon backbone?
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What is a hydrocarbon?
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Which molecule has a central carbon atom with four different components around it?
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Which molecule has a sugar, nitrogenous base, and phosphate group?
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Discuss some similarities among all four types of molecules.
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What is the chemical formula of the first carbohydrate molecule shown?
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What three structural groups do all amino acids have in common?
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What are the R side chains in two amino acids shown in Model 1?
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Explain why the terms dehydration synthesis and condensation are used for certain reactions.
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What substance would need to be added to reverse dehydration synthesis?
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Lysis means to split or separate. What prefix would you add to lysis to mean separate or split using water?
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What word describes the reaction that uses water to break apart a large molecule?
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Why is water so important for metabolic reactions?
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Study Notes
Carbon and Bonds
- Carbon atoms possess four valence electrons, allowing them to form stable bonds.
- Carbon's ability to bond with itself enables the formation of extensive chains, facilitating a variety of organic structures.
Organic Molecules
- Large molecules in living cells are classified as macromolecules.
- Polymerization is the process through which large organic molecules are formed from smaller units known as monomers.
Composition of Biological Macromolecules
- Carbohydrates consist of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen.
- Lipids are primarily composed of carbon and hydrogen, contributing to their structure and function.
- Nucleic acids are made of hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus.
- Proteins are constructed from nitrogen, hydrogen, carbon, and oxygen.
Functions of Biological Macromolecules
- Carbohydrates serve as the main energy source and have structural roles in cells.
- Lipids are responsible for energy storage and forming biological membranes and protective coverings.
- Nucleic acids are crucial for storing and transmitting genetic information.
- Proteins perform various functions, including regulating reactions, structural support, substance transport, and immune response.
Organic Compounds
- The term "organic" relates to "living," indicating that these compounds are produced by living organisms using energy and nonliving raw materials.
Molecular Structures
- Lipids often feature a long-chain carbon backbone.
- Amino acids contain a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups, including an amine and a carboxylic acid.
- Nucleic acids comprise a sugar, nitrogenous base, and phosphate group.
Commonalities Among Macromolecules
- All four major types of biological molecules contain carbon (C), hydrogen (H), and oxygen (O).
Chemical Structure and Reactions
- The formula for the simplest carbohydrate is C6H12O6.
- Amino acids share three structural components: amine group, carboxylic acid, and an R side chain, which varies among them.
Dehydration Synthesis and Hydrolysis
- Dehydration synthesis (condensation reactions) involves the removal of water to bond monomers, creating larger molecules.
- Reverse reactions (breaking down large molecules) require the addition of water, termed hydrolysis.
- Hydrolysis refers to reactions where water is used to split large molecules into smaller components.
Metabolism and the Role of Water
- Metabolism encompasses all chemical reactions in living organisms, highlighting the critical role of water.
- Water is essential for hydrolytic reactions, necessary for breaking down macromolecules during metabolic processes.
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Test your knowledge on carbon's properties and its role in macromolecules with these flashcards from Biology Chapter 2. Explore questions on valence electrons and carbon bonding capabilities, fundamental to understanding organic chemistry. Perfect for students seeking to reinforce their learning in biological sciences.