Biomolecules and Functional Groups

Summary

All living organisms are composed of biomolecules, primarily made of carbon, which bonds with elements like hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen. Carbon's versatility allows it to form various structures, including chains and rings. The chemical reactivity of biomolecules is largely determined by functional groups, such as hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, and phosphate groups, which attach to the carbon backbone. These functional groups define the biomolecule's identity, leading to the formation of fatty acids, amino acids, and more. Biomolecules are classified into four main types: proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Takeaways

• 🌱 All living organisms are composed of biomolecules, which contain carbon-to-carbon or carbon-to-hydrogen bonds.
• 🛠️ Carbon is a versatile atom that can bond with hydrogen and other elements like oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, and sulfur.
• ⚛️ Methane is one of the simplest organic molecules, with carbon bonding to four hydrogen atoms.
• 🔗 Carbon can form chains, branched chains, and ring structures, as well as double bonds with itself or other elements.
• 🦴 The carbon skeleton (or backbone) of a biomolecule gives it shape, similar to how a skeleton shapes a living organism.
• 💥 The reactivity of a biomolecule depends on the functional group attached to its carbon backbone.
• 🔬 A functional group is a specific group of bonded atoms with consistent chemical properties, affecting how the biomolecule reacts.
• 🍶 When a hydroxyl group attaches to a carbon skeleton, ethanol is formed; many types of functional groups exist.
• ⚗️ Common functional groups in biology include hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, and phosphate groups.
• 🧬 All biomolecules are classified into four major categories: proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.

Q & A

What are biomolecules composed of?

Biomolecules are composed of chemical compounds that contain carbon-to-carbon or carbon-to-hydrogen bonds.

Why is carbon important for life?

Carbon is important for life because it is a versatile atom that can bond with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and itself, forming various structures such as chains, branches, rings, and double bonds.

What is the simplest organic molecule mentioned in the script?

Methane is the simplest organic molecule mentioned, consisting of one carbon atom bonded to four hydrogen atoms.

What is the 'carbon skeleton' of a biomolecule?

The carbon skeleton, or backbone, is the chain or structure of carbon atoms in a biomolecule that determines its overall shape.

What is a functional group, and why is it important in biomolecules?

A functional group is a specific group of bonded atoms with consistent chemical properties. It is important because it determines the chemical reactivity and identity of the biomolecule.

What is an example of a biomolecule formed by attaching a hydroxyl group to a carbon skeleton?

When a hydroxyl group attaches to a carbon skeleton, the compound ethanol is formed.

What are the five functional groups commonly encountered in biology?

The five functional groups commonly encountered in biology are hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, sulfhydryl, and phosphate groups.

How does the presence of a functional group affect a biomolecule?

The presence of a functional group changes the chemical reactivity of the biomolecule, helping to determine its specific identity.

What biomolecule is formed when a carboxyl group attaches to a carbon backbone?

A fatty acid biomolecule is formed when a carboxyl group attaches to a carbon backbone.

What are the four classes of biomolecules?

The four classes of biomolecules are proteins, carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and lipids.