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Understanding Carbon in Biology and its Role in Living Systems

Explore the vital role of carbon atoms in biology, from their formation during stellar evolution to their interaction with living systems in the exchange of molecules essential for life. Discover how carbon atoms serve as versatile building blocks and form the backbone of various organic compounds such as proteins, lipids, nucleic acids, and carbohydrates, influencing the structure and function of molecules. Learn about carbon's ability to bond with other elements and create diverse functional groups, leading to the formation of important compounds like morphine, serotonin, and cellulose.

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Understanding Carbon in Biology and its Role in Living Systems

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  1. Carbon Chapter 4

  2. Carbon & Biology • Carbon atoms form during stellar evolution

  3. Carbon & Biology • Living systems exchange carbon with the environment:

  4. Carbon & Biology • Molecules of Life include: • ~65% H2O • ~33% organic compounds (Carbon) • proteins • lipids • nucleic acids • carbohydrates • ~2% inorganic compounds

  5. Properties of Carbon • C atoms are versatile building blocks • 4 valence electrons • stable, covalent bonds

  6. Structure & function • Carbon molecules build large polymers

  7. Structure & function • Carbon molecules rearrange into isomers • Same molecular formula but different structures

  8. Structure & function • Carbon molecules form chemical bonds with other elements • Functional Groups: • Amino (NH2) • Carboxyl (COOH) • Hydroxyl • Phosphate • Sulfhydryl…

  9. Fun Carbon Molecules morphine serotonin cellulose

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