Understand carbon atoms and their chemical nature.

• Distinguish between molecules that are organic and inorganic.
• State the features of a carbon atom that make it able to bond in chains and rings.
• Describe how single and double covalent bonds are formed in organic molecules.
• Draw an example of a carbon skeleton.
• Recognize the main functional groups.

Recognize different molecular structures common to organic molecules.

• List the major group of organic molecules associated with living things.
• Recognize the basic subunit of each of the major groups of organic molecules.
• Describe the function played by each of the major groups of organic molecules.
• Give examples of each of the major groups of organic molecules.
• Explain why certain organic molecules are considered monomers and others polymers.
• Diagram a simple structure of the monomers of monosaccharide, amino acid, and nucleotide.

Know the ways that molecules can react with one another.

• Explain the difference between dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis.
• Diagram simple dehydration synthesis and hydrolysis reactions.
• Describe how organic molecules such as proteins can have primary, secondary, tertiary, and quaternary structures.