What term is used for compounds that contain carbon?

The term "organic molecules" is specifically used to refer to compounds that contain carbon, typically in combination with other elements such as hydrogen, oxygen, nitrogen, and others. The defining characteristic of organic chemistry is the presence of carbon atoms, which form covalent bonds with other elements, leading to a vast array of complex structures and functions in living organisms. This includes everything from simple sugars and amino acids to large macromolecules like proteins and nucleic acids.

Organic molecules are fundamental to life on Earth, as they participate in crucial biological processes, including metabolism, DNA replication, and cellular structure. In contrast, inorganic molecules, which do not primarily consist of carbon, include minerals, metals, and gases like oxygen and carbon dioxide. While they can have significance in biological systems, they lack the specific carbon-based complexity that defines organic compounds.

Understanding organic molecules is essential in biology, especially in fields such as biochemistry and molecular biology, where the interactions and functions of these compounds are studied in detail.