a CELL BIOLOGY MOLECULES OF LIFEOrganic molecules = Acell is mostly water, but the rest of it consists mostly of carbon-based molecules. = Carbon is unparalleled in its ability to form the large, complex, diverse molecules that are necessary for life functions. = Compounds that contain carbon are called organic compounds. Carbon Chemistry: = Acarbon atom has 4 electrons in an outer shell. Carbon completes its outer shell by sharing electrons with other atoms in four covalent bonds. = carbon can use one or more of its bonds to attach to other carbon atoms, it is possible to construct an endless diversity of carbon skeletons varying in size and branching pattern = The carbon atoms of organic molecules can also use one or more of their bonds to partner with other elements, most commonly hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.Ha Hoa HoH H 4 {Carbon skeleton vary i ength Carbon sketotons moy have doublebonds, which san vay i location 4 4 eH an “ 4 HHH H 4 H H t H k 4 i “f t H HHH H HR ieee H Carbon skeletons may be unbranched or branched Keletans may be arranged in rings Variations in carbon skeletons. All of these examples are hydrocarbons, organic molecules consisting only of carbon and hydrogen. Notice that each carbon atom forms four bonds, and each hydrogen atom forms one bond. Remember that one line represents a single bond (sharing one pair of electrons) and two lines represent a double bond (sharing two pairs of electrons).