Carbon in Biology and its Role in Living Systems
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Presentation Transcript
Carbon Chapter 4
Carbon & Biology • Carbon atoms form during stellar evolution
Carbon & Biology • Living systems exchange carbon with the environment:
Carbon & Biology • Molecules of Life include: • ~65% H2O • ~33% organic compounds (Carbon) • proteins • lipids • nucleic acids • carbohydrates • ~2% inorganic compounds
Properties of Carbon • C atoms are versatile building blocks • 4 valence electrons • stable, covalent bonds
Structure & function • Carbon molecules build large polymers
Structure & function • Carbon molecules rearrange into isomers • Same molecular formula but different structures
Structure & function • Carbon molecules form chemical bonds with other elements • Functional Groups: • Amino (NH2) • Carboxyl (COOH) • Hydroxyl • Phosphate • Sulfhydryl…
Fun Carbon Molecules morphine serotonin cellulose