4. Biomolecules

Which of the molecules shown in question 5 has an asymmetric carbon? Which carbon is asymmetric?

Draw Lewis dot structures for each hypothetical molecule shown below, using the correct number of valence electrons for each atom. Determine which molecule makes sense because each atom has a complete valence shell, and each bond has the correct number of electrons. Explain what makes the other molecule nonsensical, considering the number of bonds each type of atom can make.

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?