THE VERSATILITY OF CARBON-THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF LIFE!

AP Biology: Organic Compounds

Why Carbon Compounds? (Why not another element?

Bonding Properties4 Covalent BondsEndless possibilities!

Living Organisms and Carbon

All life is built on Carbon

75% Water25% Carbon

compounds!Four Types:--Carbohydrates--Lipids--Proteins--Nucleic Acids

Hydrocarbons

These are examples of hydrocarbons.

-Hydrophobic-Stable-Very little attraction between molecules-Mostly gases at normal temperatures and pressures

Hydrocarbons Can Grow

Isomers

Molecules with the same elements, but with different physical structures

They have different chemical properties and can affect living systems in different ways.

Form Affects Function

Structural differences create important functional significance

Example: medicines

L-version active but not D-version

sometimes withtragic results…

Form Affects Function

Thalidomide prescribed to pregnant women in 50s &

60s reduced morning sickness, but… stereoisomer caused severe birth defects

Functional Groups of Carbon Compounds

Parts of organic molecules that are involved in chemical reactions give organic

molecules distinctive properties

n hydroxyln aminon carbonyl n carboxyln sulfhydryln phosphaten methyl

Effects of Different Functional Groups

Basic structure of male & female hormones is identical attachment of different functional groups

interacts with different targets in the body—produces different effects!

Hydroxyl Group

-OHOrganic compounds with OH groups are

called alcoholsNames typically end in “ol” (example:

ethanol)

Amino Group

-NH2Carbon compounds attached to NH2 are

called amines--NH2 acts as a base and can easily pick up

H+ ionsFound in amino acids

Carbonyl Group

Carbon double-bonded to oxygenMay be in the middle or at the end of the

carbon chain

Carboxyl Group

Carbon is double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to a hydroxyl (OH) group.

Compounds with a Carboxyl group (COOH) are acids.

Examples: Amino Acids, Fatty Acids

Sulfhydryl Group

-SHCarbon compound is bonded to a sulfur-

hydrogen group. Compounds with sulfhydryl groups are called

thiols.Sulfhydryl groups stabilize protein molecules.

Phosphate Group

-PO4Lots of oxygen=lots of negative charge!

(Why?)Highly reactive groupTransfers energy between organic molecules

(ex: ATP)

Methyl Group

CH3May be attached to any carbon on a

compound.