Ch 03 Molecules of Cells.docVIP

INTRODUCTION TO ORGANIC COMPOUNDS A chain of carbon atoms is called a carbon skeleton Carbon skeletons can be branched or unbranched Therefore, different compounds with the same molecular formula can be produced These structures are called isomers 3.2 Characteristic chemical groups help determine the properties of organic compounds An organic compound has unique properties that depend upon The size and shape of the molecule and The groups of atoms (functional groups) attached to it A functional group affects a biological molecule’s function in a characteristic way Compounds containing functional groups are hydrophilic (water-loving) This means that they are soluble in water, which is a necessary prerequisite for their roles in water-based life The functional groups are Hydroxyl group—consists of a hydrogen bonded to an oxygen Carbonyl group—a carbon linked by a double bond to an oxygen atom Carboxyl group—consists of a carbon double-bonded to both an oxygen and a hydroxyl group Amino group—composed of a nitrogen bonded to two hydrogen atoms and the carbon skeleton Phosphate group—consists of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms 3.3 Cells make a huge number of large molecules from a small set of small molecules There are four classes of biological molecules Carbohydrates Proteins Lipids Nucleic acids Monomers are linked together to form polymers through dehydration reactions, which remove water Polymers are broken apart by hydrolysis, the addition of water All biological reactions of this sort are mediated by enzymes, which speed up chemical reactions in cells CARBOHYDRATES 3.4 Monosaccharides are the simplest carbohydrates Carbohydrates range from small sugar molecules (monomers) to large polysaccharides Sugar monomers are monosaccharides, such as glucose and fructose These can be hooked together to form the polysaccharides The carbon skeletons of monosaccharides vary in length Glucose and fructose are six carbons long Others have three to seven carbon