Questions and Answers
What unique chemical property allows carbon to form large and complex molecules?
Carbon is small and has a valence electron number of four which allows it to form up to four covalent bonds.
What is it about carbon that makes it a great atom to form the backbone of many organic compounds?
Carbon can bond with other carbons to form a hydrocarbon backbone or skeleton.
What is an organic compound?
A compound that contains at least carbon and hydrogen.
What is a hydrocarbon?
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What is a monomer?
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What is a polymer?
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What are functional groups?
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What is a carboxyl group?
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What is a phosphate group?
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What is a hydroxyl group?
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What is an amino group?
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What are the three basic carbon-based structures?
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What is a macromolecule?
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What is a single covalent bond?
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What is a double covalent bond?
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What is a triple covalent bond?
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What is a quadruple covalent bond?
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What is dehydration synthesis?
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What is hydrolysis?
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What are the important macromolecules in biology?
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Study Notes
Properties of Carbon
- Carbon has a small atomic size and a valence of four, enabling the formation of four covalent bonds.
- Ability of carbon to bond with other carbons creates a hydrocarbon backbone essential for organic compounds.
Organic Compounds
- Defined as compounds that contain at least carbon and hydrogen.
- Hydrocarbons are specific organic compounds consisting solely of carbon and hydrogen.
Molecular Structures
- Monomers are the smaller units that combine to form polymers, which are very large molecules or macromolecules.
- Basic structures of carbon-based molecules include straight chains, branched chains, and rings.
Functional Groups
- Functional groups are specific clusters of atoms attached to carbon skeletons, influencing both molecular shape and function.
- Key functional groups include:
- Carboxyl group (-COOH)
- Phosphate group (-PO4)
- Hydroxyl group (-OH)
- Amino group (-NH2)
Bonds in Carbon Compounds
- Single covalent bonds involve sharing one pair of electrons between two atoms.
- Double covalent bonds share two pairs of electrons.
- Triple covalent bonds share three pairs of electrons.
- Quadruple covalent bonds are formed by sharing four pairs of electrons.
Chemical Processes
- Dehydration synthesis is a process that creates polymers from monomers while releasing water.
- Hydrolysis is the process that breaks down polymers into monomers through the addition of water.
Important Macromolecules in Biology
- Major types of macromolecules include:
- Carbohydrates
- Lipids
- Proteins
- Nucleic Acids
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Description
This quiz focuses on the unique properties of carbon that enable it to form large and complex molecules. Explore the fundamental aspects of carbon's bonding capabilities and its role as a backbone in organic compounds. Perfect for students studying biology and organic chemistry.