Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

4. Biomolecules

Carbon

General Biology

4. Biomolecules

Carbon

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Multiple Choice

What is the reason carbon atoms are the most versatile building blocks of the molecules used by living organisms?

Carbon is the central atom of carbon dioxide, a necessary molecule for photosynthesis.

Carbon is the central atom in urea, a molecule used by many living organisms to transport wastes from the body.

All of the listed responses are correct.

Each carbon atom acts as an intersection point from which a molecule can branch off in up to four directions.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the unique properties of carbon atoms: Carbon has an atomic number of 6, which means it has 4 electrons in its outer shell. This allows carbon to form four covalent bonds with other atoms, making it highly versatile in forming complex molecules.

Recognize the significance of carbon's bonding capability: The ability to form four covalent bonds allows carbon to act as an intersection point, enabling the formation of long chains, branched molecules, and rings. This versatility is crucial for the diversity of organic molecules.

Consider the role of carbon in biological molecules: Carbon's ability to form stable bonds with many elements, including hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and other carbon atoms, is fundamental to the structure of biomolecules like carbohydrates, proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids.

Evaluate the importance of carbon in metabolic processes: Carbon is a key component in metabolic pathways, such as the Calvin cycle in photosynthesis and the citric acid cycle in cellular respiration, highlighting its central role in energy transformation and storage.

Reflect on the implications of carbon's versatility: The diverse structures that carbon can form are essential for the complexity and functionality of living organisms, allowing for the vast array of biological molecules necessary for life processes.