Campbell Biology
Second Canadian Edition
Chapter 4
Carbon and the Molecular
Diversity of Life
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-1
,Key Concepts
• Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds
• Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to
four other atoms
• A few chemical groups are key to molecular function
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-2
, Overview: Carbon: The Backbone of Life
• Living organisms consist mostly of
carbon-based compounds
• Carbon is able to form large,
complex, and diverse molecules
• Proteins, DNA, carbohydrates in
living matter are all composed of
carbon compounds, as are lipids.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-3
Second Canadian Edition
Chapter 4
Carbon and the Molecular
Diversity of Life
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-1
,Key Concepts
• Organic chemistry is the study of carbon compounds
• Carbon atoms can form diverse molecules by bonding to
four other atoms
• A few chemical groups are key to molecular function
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-2
, Overview: Carbon: The Backbone of Life
• Living organisms consist mostly of
carbon-based compounds
• Carbon is able to form large,
complex, and diverse molecules
• Proteins, DNA, carbohydrates in
living matter are all composed of
carbon compounds, as are lipids.
Copyright © 2018 Pearson Canada Inc. 4-3
