5.1 Summary

This is the first "academic" entry that is published on the BioLOGie Blog...enjoy!!


This section is mainly about carbon and why it is important.


Carbon is very important for molecule formation.

It has 4 occupied electrons in the highest energy level, so it can form up to 4 bonds with other atoms.


Organic molecules: Most carbon-based molecules.
Inorganic molecules: Non-carbon-based molecules such as water.



Functional Group: A group of atoms within a molecule that interacts in predictable ways with other molecules.


Hydrocarbons:Organic molecules made of only water and carbon.(acts as important fuels)
Hydrophilic: things that attract water molecules.


Monomers: small molecular units that makes up biomolecules.
Polymers: A long chain of monomers. (Different living cells have different polymers)

Life's largest molecules are divided into 4 categories: Carbohydrates, lipids, proteins and nucleic acids.





Polymer Composition:
When monomer is added into a chain, a water molecule is lost or a dehydration process occurs.
When polymers are broken down, energy is released and the monomers are used to form other polymers.

By adding water and energy to a polymers, monomers can be added.
...Water is used to build and take apart polymers!!!




Concept Check 5.1
Draw a molecule that has a three-carbon skeleton and a hydroxyl group on the middle carbon. The molecule formula is C3H8O
Explain the connection between monomers and polymers.
Polymers are monomers linked together into long chains by cells.
What molecule is released during construction of polymer? What is this reaction called? Draw at least 3 ways in which 5 carbons could be joined to make different carbon skeletons.
A water molecule is released during construction of polymer, this reaction is called the dehydration reaction.