Chapter 2, Problem 2.1CC

What properties of the carbon atom make it especially suitable as the structural basis for nearly all biomolecules?

Summary Introduction

To explain: The properties of a carbon atom that make it structurally suitable as a structural basis for nearly all biomolecules.

Introduction: Carbon atom is the major component of several biomolecules. The carbon atom carrying biomolecules are diverse and stable owing to different properties of the carbon atom. Interaction of carbon with each other and with other elements is of biological importance.

Explanation of Solution

Different properties associated with carbon atom make is suitable as a structural basis for several biomolecules. The properties are mentioned below:

• Valency of 4:

  The carbon atom is having a valence of 4. The carbon atom will form 4 chemical bonds with the other atoms. The carbon atom has 4 electrons in its outermost orbital. The carbon atom requires 4 more electrons to complete the octet having 8 electrons. The presence of 8 electrons in the outermost orbital provides stability to the carbon atom.

  Hence, carbon binds with other 4 molecules to acquire stability. This property of carbon provides greater diversity to carbon-containing molecules in terms of molecular structure and function.

• Binding of C atom to other atoms:

  The carbon atom has the capacity to bind to other molecules like sulfur, hydrogen, and nitrogen respectively. Nitrogen, sulfur, and hydrogen form an important component of several biomolecules. Nitrogen forms an important component of DNA while proteins are composed of hydrogen and sulfur.

  Hence, the binding capacity of C atom with other atoms makes C atom as structurally suitable for several biomolecules.

• Asymmetric nature of the C atom:

  The carbon atom is asymmetric in nature. The asymmetric nature of the C atom specifies that all the 4 atoms in the bonding are different. The carbon atom is also stable even if all 4 partners are different which is observed in diverse biological compounds.

  Hence, the asymmetric nature of the C atom makes it structurally suitable for several biomolecules.