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Carbon & the Molecular Diversity of Life - Coggle Diagram
Carbon & the Molecular Diversity of Life
Organic Chemistry & The Origin of Life
Study of carbon compounds, regardless of origin (ranging from simple to colossal).
Stanley Miller's Experiment
Goal to demonstrated abiotic synthesis of organic compounds.
How simulated early earth conditions (water, gases, lightning)
Conclusion formed amino acids and other organic molecules.
Abiotic Synthesis Hypothesis
Location possibly near volcanoes or deep-sea vents. Significance a key stage in the origin of life.
Organic vs. Inorganic
Organic Contains carbon, usually with C-H bonds (glucose, fats). Inorganic Generally, lacks carbon (water, salt).
Carbon's Versatility
The reason for diversity electron configuration
Valence is 4 valence electrons. Bonding Forms 4 strong covalent bonds. Bonding partners frequently bonds with H, O, N (and other carbons).
Molecular Shapes from Bonding
Single bonds 4 single bonds Tetrahedral shape.
Double Bonds planar (flat) shape creates a kink in the chain.
Carbon Skeletons Variations
Length varies from short too long.
Branching unbranched chains or branched chains. Double bond position location of double bonds can vary. Rings carbon atoms can form rings (steroids).
Hydrocarbons molecules composed only of C and H (fats, fuels). They store significant energy.
Isomers
Structural Isomers
Difference is different covalent arrangements of atoms. Ex. Butane vs. Isobutane
Cis-Trans Isomers (Geometric Isomers)
Difference is same covalent bonds but differ in spatial arrangement around a double bond.
"Cis" Configuration key groups on the same side of the double bond. "Trans" Configuration key groups on opposite sides of the double bond.
Enantiomers
Difference is mirroring images of each other (like left and right hands). Key Feature often only one is biologically active. Ex Thalidomide
One enantiomer reduces morning sickness.Other enantiomer causes birth defects.
Importance demonstrates organisms' sensitivity to molecular shape.
Functional groups
Components of organic molecules most commonly involved in chemical reactions; they determine a molecule's unique properties and function.
Hydroxyl Group (-OH) name of compound alcohols (named with -ol suffix). properties polar, hydrophilic (water-loving). Ex: Ethanol.
Carbonyl Group (>C=O) Location and name end = Aldehyde; in middle = Ketone. Properties polar. Ex: Formaldehyde, Acetone.
Carboxyl Group (-COOH) name of compound: Carboxylic acids. Properties acidic (donates H+), polar. Ex: Amino acids, fatty acids.
Amino Group (-NH2) name of compound: Amines. Properties acts as a base (accepts H+), polar. Ex: Amino acids.
Sulfhydryl Group (-SH) name of compound: Thiols. Properties form disulfide bonds (stabilizes protein structure) Ex: Cysteine (an amino acid).
Phosphate Group (-OPO3^ {2-}) name of compound: Organic phosphates. Properties: Acidic, negatively charged, energy transfer. Crucial Example: ATP
Adenosine Triphosphate. Structure adenosine + 3 phosphate groups. Function stores and releases energy for cellular work
Methyl Group (-CH3) name of compound: Methylated compounds. Properties non-polar, affects gene expression (DNA methylation).Ex: 5-Methylcytosine (modified DNA base).