Question

Which of the following is a 4 -carbon compound? (a) Oxaloacetic acid (b) Phosphoglyceric acid (c) Ribulose bis phosphate (d) Phosphoenol pyruvate

Short answer

Oxaloacetic acid is the 4-carbon compound.

Step-by-step solution

Define Carbon Compound

A carbon compound is an organic molecule that contains carbon atoms. The number in front of '-carbon' indicates how many carbon atoms are present in the molecule.

Analyze Each Option

Examine the structure of each compound given in the options to determine the number of carbon atoms present in each compound.

Determine the Answer

Oxaloacetic acid has 4 carbon atoms, phosphoglyceric acid has 3, ribulose bisphosphate has 5, and phosphoenol pyruvate has 3 carbon atoms. Therefore, oxaloacetic acid is the 4-carbon compound.

Key concepts

Oxaloacetic Acid

Oxaloacetic acid is a crucial organic compound in the body, particularly known for its role in the Krebs cycle, which is a part of cellular respiration. As the exercise suggests, oxaloacetic acid is characterized by having four carbon atoms. This distinct characteristic categorizes it as a 4-carbon compound, a key detail for students to understand when studying metabolic pathways.

Chemically, oxaloacetic acid is represented by the formula C4H4O5, showing that it contains four carbon atoms along with hydrogen and oxygen. In the intricate dance of metabolism, oxaloacetic acid reacts with Acetyl-CoA to form Citric acid which is then broken down through a series of reactions to release energy. Oxaloacetic acid is both the starting point and the end product of the citric acid cycle, emphasizing its importance in biochemistry.

Structure of Oxaloacetic Acid

When looking at the structural formula of oxaloacetic acid, you will see it consists of two carboxyl groups (COOH) and one ketone group (C=O) along with a central chain of carbon atoms. The presence of these functional groups impacts its chemical properties and its role in metabolism.

Organic Molecules

Organic molecules are the foundation of organic chemistry and are mostly composed of carbon atoms bonded to hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, phosphorus, or other elements. The term 'organic' suggests these molecules are connected with living organisms, which is historically true, but they can also be synthesized in a lab.

The versatility of carbon atoms allows them to form a variety of complex structures and shapes — from straight chains to rings. This property of carbon gives rise to the vast diversity of organic molecules, which range from simple molecules like methane (CH4) to complex polymers like proteins and DNA.

Variety and Complexity

Organic molecules can have different functional groups, which determine their chemical reactivity and physical properties. These include hydroxyl groups, carboxyl groups, amino groups, and many others. Understanding how these groups interact in compounds is important for students studying chemistry, as it affects how molecules will react with each other in organic reactions.

Carbon Atoms in Compounds

Carbon atoms form the backbone of all organic molecules, and their unique ability to bond with one another allows the composition of a vast array of compounds. In the context of the exercise, recognizing the number of carbon atoms in a compound is essential for identifying its structure and understanding its reactions.

In organic chemistry, compounds are often categorized by the number of carbon atoms they contain. For instance, methane, with one carbon atom, is a one-carbon compound, while ethane, with two carbon atoms, is a two-carbon compound. Likewise, oxaloacetic acid, with four carbon atoms, is termed a four-carbon compound.

Classification by Carbon Count

A simple way for students to recognize and classify organic molecules is by counting the carbon atoms. This method not only aids in identifying the type of molecule but also gives insights into potential properties and reactivity. Carbon atoms can form single, double, or triple bonds with each other, which influences the overall shape and stability of the molecule. Recognizing these details can help students predict the behavior of organic molecules in biological systems or chemical reactions.