5.1 summary

Carbon is the main ingredient of organic molecules. 

-Carbon atoms form with more carbon atoms creating carnbon based molecules called organic molcules non carbon based molecules are called inorganic molecules. 

-Functional groups are a group of atoms that reacts in a predictable way to other molecules.

-Hydroxyl groups are hydrophic meaning they attract water molecules. Larger molecules are made of many smaller molecular units called monomers. 

-Long chains of monomers are called polymers. Organisms have to build and break down polymers.

Picture of functional groups, from http://kvhs.nbed.nb.ca/gallant/biology/functional_groups.jpg

Concept Check 5.1
1. Draw a molecule that has a three-carbon skeleton and a hydroxyl group on the middle carbon.

picture from, http://littlezhelovesmarshmallows.blogspot.com/

2. Explain the connection between monomers and polymers.

Polymers are made of 2 monomers.
3. What molecule is released during the construction of a polymer? What is this reaction called?A water molecule is released after the construction of a polymer in a reaction called a dehydration reaction.
4. Draw at least three ways in which five carbon atoms could be joined to make different carbon skeletons.

pictures from http://littlezhelovesmarshmallows.blogspot.com/