![]() The geometry of the methane molecule, where the atoms reside in three dimensions, is determined by the shape of its electron orbitals. Methane, an excellent fuel, is the simplest hydrocarbon molecule, with a central carbon atom bonded to four different hydrogen atoms, as illustrated in. ![]() The many covalent bonds between the atoms in hydrocarbons store a great amount of energy, which is released when these molecules are burned (oxidized). We often use hydrocarbons in our daily lives as fuels-like the propane in a gas grill or the butane in a lighter. Hydrocarbons are organic molecules consisting entirely of carbon and hydrogen, such as methane (CH 4) described above. This results in a filled outermost shell. Each of its four hydrogen atoms forms a single covalent bond with the carbon atom by sharing a pair of electrons. The methane molecule provides an example: it has the chemical formula CH 4. Therefore, carbon atoms can form up to four covalent bonds with other atoms to satisfy the octet rule. With an atomic number of 6 (six electrons and six protons), the first two electrons fill the inner shell, leaving four in the second shell. Individual carbon atoms have an incomplete outermost electron shell. The carbon atom has unique properties that allow it to form covalent bonds to as many as four different atoms, making this versatile element ideal to serve as the basic structural component, or “backbone,” of the macromolecules. The fundamental component for all of these macromolecules is carbon. The macromolecules are a subset of organic molecules (any carbon-containing liquid, solid, or gas) that are especially important for life. Describe the role of functional groups in biological moleculesĬells are made of many complex molecules called macromolecules, such as proteins, nucleic acids (RNA and DNA), carbohydrates, and lipids.Explain why carbon is important for life. ![]() By the end of this section, you will be able to:
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