Biology 2.1.2

Carbon chains and rings

• Carbon atoms have 4 electrons in their outer orbitals, they can gain stability by sharing 4 electrons with other atoms
• Sharing of electrons forms a strong bond between the atoms, known as covalent bond- bonded atoms forms a molecule
• A molecule is very stable because each atom in the molecule is sharing in the electrons to give a stable, full outer energy level.

Monomers and Polymers

• The term monomers refers to a single, small molecule, many of which can be joined together to form a polymer
• Although they are made from smaller molecules, lipids are…