BIOL 1F90 Study Guide - Glycosidic Bond, Hydrogen Bond, Alpha And Beta Carbon
17 Oct 2013
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Document Summary
Ability to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, including other carbon atoms. Commonly form covalent bonds with other carbons and with hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen and sulphur. Carbon bonds can also occur in configurations that are linear, ring like, or highly branched: these molecular shapes can produce molecules with a variety of functions. Hydrocarbons: molecules with predominately hydrogen-carbon bonds: hydrophobic and not very soluble in water. When carbon forms polar covalent bonds with oxygen or nitrogen, the molecule is much more soluble in water because of the electrical attraction of polar water molecules. The ability of carbon to form both polar and nonpolar bonds contributes to its ability to serve as the backbone for an astonishing variety of molecules. Shorter bonds tend to be stronger and more stable than longer bonds between two large atoms. Groups of atoms with special chemical features that contribute to the molecules" properties.
