Carbon Compounds Worksheet
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CC CW #3
2.3 Carbon Compounds Pages 45-49
Lesson Objectives
Describe the unique qualities of carbon.
Describe the structures and functions of each of the four groups of macromolecules.
Lesson Summary
The Chemistry of Carbon
Organic chemistry is the study of compounds with bonds between carbon
atoms. Carbon atoms have four valence electrons, allowing them to form strong covalent bonds with many
other elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, phosphorus, sulfur, and nitrogen. Living organisms are made up
of molecules made of carbon and these other elements.
One carbon atom can bond to another to form chains and rings.
Carbon can form millions of different large and complex structures.
Macromolecules
Many of the carbon molecules in living things are so large they are called
macromolecules. Macromolecules form by polymerization, in which smaller units called monomers join
together to form polymers. Biochemists sort the macromolecules in living things into groups based on their
chemical composition.
Carbohydrates (starches and sugars) are composed of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Carbohydrates are
the main energy source for living things. Plants and some animals also use carbohydrates for structural
purposes. Molecules with one sugar monomer are monosaccharides. A disaccharide is made of two
monosaccharides.
Lipids (fats, oils, and waxes) are made mostly of carbon and hydrogen atoms. Lipids can be used to store
energy and form parts of biological membranes and waterproof coverings. Steroids manufactured by the
body are lipids as well.
Nucleic acids contain hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, carbon, and phosphorus. They are polymers of
nucleotides. A nucleotide has three parts: a 5-carbon sugar, a phosphate (–PO
) group, and a nitrogenous
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base. Nucleic acids store and transmit hereditary (genetic) information. There are two kinds of nucleic
acids: DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and RNA (ribonucleic acid).
Proteins are made up of nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. Proteins are polymers of amino acids.
An amino acid molecule has an amino group (–NH
) on one end and a carboxyl group (–COOH) on the
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other end. Proteins control the rate of reactions, regulate cell processes, form cellular structures, carry
substances into or out of cells, and help fight disease.
More than 20 different amino acids are found in nature. Any amino acid can bond with any other.
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Covalent bonds called peptide bonds link amino acids together to form a polypeptide.
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Amino acids are assembled into polypeptide chains according to instructions coded in DNA
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The Chemistry of Carbon
1. How many valence electrons does each carbon atom have?
2. What gives carbon the ability to form chains that are almost unlimited in length?
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