Table of contents

1. Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology5h 43m
2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components12h 36m
3. Energy & Cell Processes10h 6m
4. Tissues & Histology10h 3m
5. Integumentary System2h 20m
6. Bones & Skeletal Tissue2h 16m
7. The Skeletal System2h 35m
8. Joints2h 17m
9. Muscle Tissue2h 33m
10. Muscles1h 11m
11. Nervous Tissue and Nervous System1h 35m
12. The Central Nervous System1h 6m
- Introduction to the Central Nervous System
  18m
- The Cerebrum
  48m
13. The Peripheral Nervous System1h 26m
14. The Autonomic Nervous System1h 38m
15. The Special Senses2h 41m
16. The Endocrine System2h 48m
17. The Blood3h 22m
18. The Heart3h 42m
19. The Blood Vessels3h 35m
20. The Lymphatic System3h 16m
21. The Immune System14h 37m
22. The Respiratory System3h 20m
23. The Digestive System2h 5m
24. Metabolism and Nutrition4h 0m
25. The Urinary System2h 39m
26. Fluid and Electrolyte Balance, Acid Base Balance37m
27. The Reproductive System2h 5m
28. Human Development1h 21m
29. Heredity3h 32m

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbon

Anatomy & Physiology

2. Cell Chemistry & Cell Components

Carbon

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0:54 minutes

Problem 15

Textbook Question

The diversity of life is staggering. Yet the molecular logic of life is simple and elegant: Small molecules common to all organisms are ordered into unique macromolecules. Explain why carbon is central to this diversity of organic molecules. How do carbon skeletons, chemical groups, monomers, and polymers relate to this molecular logic of life?

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the importance of carbon in organic molecules. Carbon has four valence electrons, allowing it to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, which makes it incredibly versatile in forming various structures.

Step 2: Recognize the role of carbon skeletons. Carbon atoms can bond to each other to form long chains, branched structures, or rings, which serve as the backbone for organic molecules.

Step 3: Identify the significance of chemical groups. Functional groups attached to carbon skeletons determine the properties and reactivity of organic molecules. Examples include hydroxyl, carboxyl, amino, and phosphate groups.

Step 4: Understand the concept of monomers and polymers. Monomers are small, simple molecules that can join together to form larger, complex molecules called polymers through processes like dehydration synthesis.

Step 5: Relate these concepts to the molecular logic of life. The diversity of life arises from the unique combinations of carbon skeletons and functional groups, which form a vast array of macromolecules essential for life, such as proteins, nucleic acids, carbohydrates, and lipids.

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Carbon's Versatility

Carbon is central to the diversity of organic molecules due to its unique ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms. This tetravalency allows carbon to create a vast array of structures, including chains, rings, and complex branched forms. As a result, carbon can serve as the backbone for various organic compounds, leading to the immense diversity of life forms.

Carbon Skeletons

Carbon skeletons refer to the chain or ring structures formed by carbon atoms in organic molecules. These skeletons can vary in length and complexity, influencing the properties and functions of the molecules they compose. The arrangement of carbon skeletons is fundamental in determining the characteristics of different organic compounds, such as carbohydrates, lipids, proteins, and nucleic acids.

Monomers and Polymers

Monomers are the basic building blocks of larger molecules, known as polymers. In biological systems, monomers like amino acids, nucleotides, and simple sugars link together through covalent bonds to form complex macromolecules. This process of polymerization is essential for creating the diverse structures and functions of biomolecules, which are crucial for life.