What type of skeletons can carbon form

Organic compounds that contain a chiral carbon usually have two non-superposable structures. These two structures are mirror images of each other and are, thus, commonly called enantiomorphs; hence, this structural property is now commonly referred to as enantiomerism.

Enantiopure compounds refer to samples having, within the limits of detection, molecules of only one chirality. Enantiomers of each other often show different chemical reactions with other substances that are also enantiomers.

Since many molecules in the bodies of living beings are enantiomers themselves, there is sometimes a marked difference in the effects of two enantiomers on living beings. Functional groups are groups of molecules attached to organic molecules and give them specific identities or functions.

Functional groups are groups of atoms that occur within organic molecules and confer specific chemical properties to those molecules. Molecules with other elements in their carbon backbone are substituted hydrocarbons.

Each of the four types of macromolecules—proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids—has its own characteristic set of functional groups that contributes greatly to its differing chemical properties and its function in living organisms.

A functional group can participate in specific chemical reactions. Some of the important functional groups in biological molecules include: hydroxyl, methyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate, and sulfhydryl groups. These groups play an important role in the formation of molecules like DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Functional groups are usually classified as hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending on their charge or polarity. An example of a hydrophobic group is the non-polar methane molecule.

Among the hydrophilic functional groups is the carboxyl group found in amino acids, some amino acid side chains, and the fatty acid heads that form triglycerides and phospholipids. Other functional groups, such as the carbonyl group, have a partially negatively charged oxygen atom that may form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, again making the molecule more hydrophilic.

Hydrogen bonds between functional groups within the same molecule or between different molecules are important to the function of many macromolecules and help them to fold properly and maintain the appropriate shape needed to function correctly. Hydrogen bonds are also involved in various recognition processes, such as DNA complementary base pairing and the binding of an enzyme to its substrate.

Privacy Policy. Skip to main content. The Chemical Foundation of Life. Search for:. The Chemical Basis for Life Carbon is the most important element to living things because it can form many different kinds of bonds and form essential compounds. Learning Objectives Explain the properties of carbon that allow it to serve as a building block for biomolecules. Key Takeaways Key Points All living things contain carbon in some form. Carbon is the primary component of macromolecules, including proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates.

The carbon cycle shows how carbon moves through the living and non-living parts of the environment. Key Terms octet rule : A rule stating that atoms lose, gain, or share electrons in order to have a full valence shell of 8 electrons has some exceptions.

Hydrocarbons Hydrocarbons are important molecules that can form chains and rings due to the bonding patterns of carbon atoms. Learning Objectives Discuss the role of hydrocarbons in biomacromolecules. Key Takeaways Key Points Hydrocarbons are molecules that contain only carbon and hydrogen.

The bonding of hydrocarbons allows them to form rings or chains. Key Terms covalent bond : A type of chemical bond where two atoms are connected to each other by the sharing of two or more electrons.

Organic Isomers Isomers are molecules with the same chemical formula but have different structures, which creates different properties in the molecules. Robert and Marjorie C. Caserio Basic Principles of Organic Chemistry, second edition. Benjamin, Inc. ISBN This content is copyrighted under the following conditions, "You are granted permission for individual, educational, research and non-commercial reproduction, distribution, display and performance of this work in any format.

Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell and can form four covalent bonds. This allows carbon to form large, diverse molecules.

There are four types of macromolecules, or large organic molecules, necessary for life to function: protein, lipids, carbohydrates and nucleic acids. All four macromolecules are based on a carbon skeleton.

When chains of carbon atoms are bonded to form a carbon skeleton, the types of chemical functional groups attached to that skeleton determine what kind of macromolecule will result.

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Chapter Plant Responses to the Environment. Full Table of Contents. This is a sample clip. Sign in or start your free trial. JoVE Core Biology. Previous Video Next Video. Next Video 2. Embed Share. Organic compounds contain a structural backbone of carbon atoms, referred to as the carbon skeleton.

For instance, methane with only one carbon and single bonds is the simplest hydrocarbon. As more carbons are added, the chain lengthens forming new molecules. Please enter your institutional email to check if you have access to this content. Please create an account to get access.