Carbon Chemistry and Living Systems

Alcohol

A compound that contains the hydroxyl -OH group is an alcohol. Alcohol is a substance made from fermented sugars that can be used as a fuel, solvent, or drink.

Amino acid

A compound that is the building block of proteins. Amino acid. Amino acids are molecules that combine to form proteins, which are essential for various body functions.

Carbohydrate

An energy-rich organic molecule of carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen, like sugar or starches. Carbohydrates are the body's main source of energy, found in foods like bread and pasta.

Carboxyl group

A -COOH group, found in organic acids. Carboxyl group. The carboxyl group is a functional group in chemistry that contains a carbon double-bonded to an oxygen and also bonded to an OH group, making it responsible for the acidity in organic acids.

Hydrocarbon

A molecule that contains only hydrogen and carbon. Hydrocarbon. Hydrocarbons are compounds made up of hydrogen and carbon atoms and are the basic building blocks of fuel and natural gases.

Hydroxyl group

The -OH group, found in alcohols. Hydroxyl group. The hydroxyl group is a functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, commonly found in alcohols.

Isomer

Compounds with the same chemical formula but different physical structures. Isomer. An isomer is a molecule that has the same number of atoms of each element as another molecule but is arranged differently, leading to different properties.

Lipid

An energy-rich organic compound such as a fat or oil. Lipid. Lipids are molecules that store energy and make up cell membranes, keeping our body functioning.

Monomer

A small molecule that makes up a polymer chain monomer. A monomer is a basic unit that joins with others to form a larger structure called a polymer.

Nucleic acid

A molecule made of nucleotides that contain genetic material, like DNA and RNA nucleic acid. Nucleic acids are essential molecules that store and transmit genetic information in living organisms.

Organic compound

Compounds that contain carbon and hydrogen atoms. Organic compound. Organic compounds are molecules primarily made of carbon and hydrogen, often found in living organisms.

Polymer

A large molecule formed from a chain of small monomers. Polymer. A polymer is like a long necklace where each bead is a small molecule connected in a repeating pattern.

Protein

An organic compound that is made of amino acids. Protein. Proteins are essential molecules in our bodies that help build and repair tissues.

Saturated hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon that contains only single bonds, like propane. Saturated hydrocarbon. A saturated hydrocarbon is a molecule made entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms connected by single bonds, storing energy.

Substituted hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon with one or more hydrogen atoms replaced by other atoms. Substituted hydrocarbon. In simple terms, a substituted hydrocarbon is a molecule where atoms like chlorine or oxygen replace hydrogen atoms, changing its properties.

Unsaturated hydrocarbon

A hydrocarbon with one or more double or triple bonds between carbon atoms. Unsaturated hydrocarbon. Unsaturated hydrocarbons are molecules that contain carbon atoms connected by double or triple bonds, making them more reactive than saturated hydrocarbons.