Lecture on Organic Chemistry in Biology

Key Concepts

• Focus on Organic Molecules: Organic chemistry in biology focuses on molecules containing carbon.
• Importance of Carbon: Carbon is central to biological molecules due to its abundance and properties.

Why is Carbon Special?

• Abundance: Carbon comprises about 52% of all living things.
• Neutral Electronegativity: Can form covalent bonds with various elements.
• Covalent Bonding: Forms four covalent bonds, allowing complex structures.
  • Example: Oxygen forms two bonds, limiting structure complexity.

Structural Capabilities of Carbon

• Complex Structures: Carbon can bind with multiple atoms, forming chains and rings.
  • Example: CH4 (methane) can evolve by replacing hydrogens with carbons.
  • Chain Formation: Allows for long, complex carbon chains.
  • Ring Formation: Carbon can form rings, sometimes incorporating other elements like nitrogen.

Isomers

• Definition: Molecules with identical chemical formulas but different structures.
  • Structural Isomers: Same atoms, different connections.
    • Example: Butane vs. Isobutane (C4H10).
• Geometric Isomers: Same atoms and connections, different orientations.
  • Example: Cis-2-butene vs. Trans-2-butene.
• Anantamers: A type of geometric isomer; mirror images (like left and right hands).

Functional Groups

• Role: Groups of atoms attached to carbon skeletons, influencing molecular properties.
  • Hydroxyl Group (OH): Creates polarity due to dipole.
  • Methyl Group (CH3): Nonpolar, removes molecule polarity.

Course Information

• Module 1 Quiz: Covers information from all four recordings.
  • Attempts: 3 attempts allowed.
  • Strategy: Watch recordings before attempting the quiz.
• Class Schedule: In-person sessions on Wednesday (recitation) or the following Monday (lecture).