Summary of Textbook Section 5.1

Assignment:
Write a summary of 5.1

Section 5.1 Carbon is the main ingredient of organic molecules

defining key terms

• organic molecule: "carbon-based molecule" (Campbell, 827)
• inorganic molecule: "non-carbon-baed molecule" (Campbell, 825)
• hydrocarbon: "organic molecule that interacts in predictable ways with other molecules" (Campbell, 825)
• functional group: "group of atims within a molecule that interacts in predictable ways with other molecules" (Campbell, 824)
• hydrophilic: "attracts water molecules" (Campbell, 825)
• monomer: "small molecular unit that is the building block of a larger molecule" (Campbell, 827)
• polymer: "long chain of small molecular units (monomers)" (Campbell, 829)

Most molecules of cells based on C and H2O -> aka "biomaterials"

Carbon Skeletons and Functional Groups:

• C atom, 6 e-, 4 in outmost energy layer -> allow huge variety in bonds
• hydrocarbon: organic molecule of H&C (exempli gratia CH4, methane)
• energy stored in body as hydrocarbon strings -> fat
• frequently used C, H, O, N

Forms of carbon skeletons

straight chain

branched chain

ring chain

Common functional groups:

Monomers and polymers:

• monomers linked together: polymer
• some biomolecules from 100s to 1,000,000s atoms
• polymers are endless combinations of 50 types monomers
• each cell has thousands different polymers
• polymers branch in strings and bend back
• life's large molecules -> carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, nucleic acids

Building and breaking polymer:

• monomers add to chain -> water molecule is released: dehydration reaction
• breaking chain -> addd mater molecule: hydrolysis reaction

body uses monomers to build polymers or break down for energy

Concept check:

1. Draw a molecule that has a three-carbon skeleton and a hydroxyl group on the middle carbon. (Hint: C3H8O)
2. Explain the connection between monomers and polymers. Polymers are monomers linked together.
3. What molecule is released during the construction of a polymer? What is this reaction called? Called a dehydration reaction, a water molecule is released during this process.
   
4. Draw at least three ways in which five carbon atoms could be joined to make different carbon skeletons.