IB Biology Topic B1.1.1 Chemical Properties of a Carbon Atom Revision Notes (SL/HL)

IB Biology Topic B1.1.1 Chemical Properties of a Carbon Atom Revision Notes (SL/HL) | RevisionDojo

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Carbon's Bonding: Why One Element Underpins All of Life

Carbon forms the foundation of every biological molecule, from the DNA in your cells to the food you eat.
Carbon is the element of life, even though oxygen and nitrogen are more common.

The answer lies in carbon's bonding ability, versatility, and role in molecular diversity.

Covalent Bonding: Carbon Shares Electrons to Build Stable Molecules

A covalent bond forms when two atoms share a pair of electrons.
1. Covalent bonds are the strongest type of bond in biological systems, which is why they build durable molecules like DNA and proteins.
2. Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell but needs eight for stability.
3. This allows carbon to form four covalent bonds, which gives rise to complex structures.

Tip

Strong covalent bonds make carbon-based molecules resistant to breakdown, ensuring stability in biological systems.

Carbon's Bonding Potential: One Element Builds Countless Structures

Carbon can form a variety of structures, ranging from simple chains to complex rings, making life's molecular diversity possible.

Single bonds create long chains
1. Straight chains form fatty acids in cell membranes.
2. Branched chains form molecules like isobutane, which changes how a molecule interacts and functions.
Double and triple bonds add rigidity and reactivity
1. Double bonds introduce kinks into molecules, as seen in unsaturated fatty acids, which changes membrane fluidity.
2. Triple bonds are less common but extremely strong, and they alter a molecule's properties.

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Carbon's Bonding: Why One Element Underpins All of Life

Carbon forms the foundation of every biological molecule, from the DNA in your cells to the food you eat.
Carbon is the element of life, even though oxygen and nitrogen are more common.

The answer lies in carbon's bonding ability, versatility, and role in molecular diversity.

Covalent Bonding: Carbon Shares Electrons to Build Stable Molecules

A covalent bond forms when two atoms share a pair of electrons.
1. Covalent bonds are the strongest type of bond in biological systems, which is why they build durable molecules like DNA and proteins.
2. Carbon has four electrons in its outer shell but needs eight for stability.
3. This allows carbon to form four covalent bonds, which gives rise to complex structures.

Tip

Strong covalent bonds make carbon-based molecules resistant to breakdown, ensuring stability in biological systems.

Carbon's Bonding Potential: One Element Builds Countless Structures

Carbon can form a variety of structures, ranging from simple chains to complex rings, making life's molecular diversity possible.

Single bonds create long chains
1. Straight chains form fatty acids in cell membranes.
2. Branched chains form molecules like isobutane, which changes how a molecule interacts and functions.
Double and triple bonds add rigidity and reactivity
1. Double bonds introduce kinks into molecules, as seen in unsaturated fatty acids, which changes membrane fluidity.
2. Triple bonds are less common but extremely strong, and they alter a molecule's properties.

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Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Tip

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A - Unity and Diversity9 subtopics

B - Form and Function10 subtopics

C - Interaction and Interdependence9 subtopics

D - Continuity and Change12 subtopics

IB Biology Topic B1.1.1: Chemical Properties of a Carbon Atom Notes

A - Unity and Diversity9 subtopics

B - Form and Function10 subtopics

C - Interaction and Interdependence9 subtopics

D - Continuity and Change12 subtopics

Carbon's Bonding: Why One Element Underpins All of Life

Covalent Bonding: Carbon Shares Electrons to Build Stable Molecules

Carbon's Bonding Potential: One Element Builds Countless Structures

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

Unlock the rest of this chapter with a free account

Carbon's Bonding: Why One Element Underpins All of Life

Covalent Bonding: Carbon Shares Electrons to Build Stable Molecules

Carbon's Bonding Potential: One Element Builds Countless Structures

anim nostrud sit dolore minim proident quis fugiat velit et eiusmod nulla quis nulla mollit dolor sunt culpa aliqua

Duis aute irure dolor in reprehenderit

Excepteur sint occaecat cupidatat non proident

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