Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology (MindTap Course List)
10th Edition
ISBN: 9781285423586
Author: Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher: Cengage Learning
bartleby

Concept explainers

Question
Book Icon
Chapter 3, Problem 1TYU
Summary Introduction

Introduction: Carbon occurs widely in nature in both inorganic and organic forms. Organic compounds are chemical compounds, where carbon atoms form the backbone of the molecule by bonding covalently. The inorganic forms of carbon are very simple carbon compound that are not bonded either to hydrogen or another carbon.

Expert Solution & Answer
Check Mark

Answer to Problem 1TYU

Correct answer: Carbon is particularly well suited to be the backbone of organic molecules because it can bond to atoms of a large number of other elements. Hence, the correct answer is option (d).

Explanation of Solution

Reasons for the correct answer:

Option (d) is given as “it can bond to atoms of a large number of other elements”.

Carbon serves as the backbone of large molecules as carbon–carbon bonds are strong as compared to other bonds. Carbon atoms form straight or branched chains or rings. A greater number of covalent bonds with different atoms is formed by carbon atoms than the other atoms.

Hence, the correct answer is option (d).

Reasons for incorrect answers:

Option (a) is given as “it can form both covalent bonds and ionic bonds”.

Carbon atoms can only form covalent bonds not ionic bonds. Hence, option (a) is incorrect.

Option (b) is given as “its covalent bonds are very irregularly arranged in three-dimensional space”. Covalent bonds of carbon are accurately arranged in 3-D space. Hence, option (b) is incorrect.

Option (c) is given as “its covalent bonds are the strongest chemical bonds known”.

Carbon covalent bonds are the strongest chemical bonds, but there are other elements whose covalent bonds are stronger than carbon. For example, carbon–hydrogen sigma covalent bonds are stronger than carbon–carbon covalent bonds. Hence, option (c) is incorrect.

Option (e) is given as “all the bonds it forms are polar”.

Carbon can also form non-polar bonds. Hence, option (e) is incorrect.

Hence, options (a), (b), (c), and (e) are incorrect.

Conclusion

Carbon serves as the backbone of organic molecules because it can bond to atoms of a large number of other elements.

Want to see more full solutions like this?

Subscribe now to access step-by-step solutions to millions of textbook problems written by subject matter experts!
Students have asked these similar questions
can you help? I think its B but not sure
Skip to main content   close Homework Help is Here – Start Your Trial Now! arrow_forward search SEARCH   ASK Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition)BUY Human Anatomy & Physiology (11th Edition) 11th Edition ISBN: 9780134580999 Author: Elaine N. Marieb, Katja N. Hoehn Publisher: PEARSON   1 The Human Body: An Orientation expand_moreChapter 1 : The Human Body: An Orientation   Chapter Questions expand_moreSection: Chapter Questions   Problem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,... format_list_bulletedProblem 1RQ: The correct sequence of levels forming the structural hierarchy is A. (a) organ, organ system,... See similar textbooks Bartleby Related Questions Icon Related questions Bartleby Expand Icon bartleby Concept explainers bartleby Question Draw a replication bubble with two replication forks.blue lines are DNA single strands and red lines are RNA single strands.indicate all 3' and 5’ ends on all DNA single…
Provide an  answer

Chapter 3 Solutions

Biology (MindTap Course List)

Knowledge Booster
Background pattern image
Biology
Learn more about
Need a deep-dive on the concept behind this application? Look no further. Learn more about this topic, biology and related others by exploring similar questions and additional content below.
Similar questions
SEE MORE QUESTIONS
Recommended textbooks for you
Text book image
Human Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305112100
Author:Cecie Starr, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Biology 2e
Biology
ISBN:9781947172517
Author:Matthew Douglas, Jung Choi, Mary Ann Clark
Publisher:OpenStax
Text book image
Biology (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Cengage Learning
Text book image
Ebk:Nutrition & Diet Therapy
Health & Nutrition
ISBN:9780357391747
Author:DEBRUYNE
Publisher:Cengage
Text book image
Concepts of Biology
Biology
ISBN:9781938168116
Author:Samantha Fowler, Rebecca Roush, James Wise
Publisher:OpenStax College
Text book image
Biology: The Dynamic Science (MindTap Course List)
Biology
ISBN:9781305389892
Author:Peter J. Russell, Paul E. Hertz, Beverly McMillan
Publisher:Cengage Learning