Which of the following is NOT a feature of organic compounds?

Which of the following is NOT a feature of organic compounds?

• A. Contains carbon atoms
• B. Insoluble in water
• C. Can contain hydrogen and oxygen
• D. Exclusively made from non-living sources

Answer: (D)

Organic compounds are broadly defined by their carbon-based structures, which are intrinsic to their identity. A key feature of organic compounds is that they typically contain carbon atoms, which form the backbone of these molecules. Additionally, organic compounds can include hydrogen and oxygen atoms, as well as other elements, contributing to a wide array of structures and functional groups. The assertion that organic compounds are exclusively made from non-living sources is not accurate. In fact, many organic compounds are derived from living organisms, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Even compounds synthesized in laboratories can often mimic those found in living systems. While some organic compounds can indeed be synthesized from non-living sources, this is more of a method of production rather than a defining characteristic of organic compounds themselves. In contrast, criteria such as being insoluble in water can vary widely among organic compounds, and many organic molecules do dissolve in water, particularly those that are polar. Thus, the concept of being exclusively derived from non-living sources is incorrect when defining organic compounds, making it the right choice in this context.

Organic compounds are broadly defined by their carbon-based structures, which are intrinsic to their identity. A key feature of organic compounds is that they typically contain carbon atoms, which form the backbone of these molecules. Additionally, organic compounds can include hydrogen and oxygen atoms, as well as other elements, contributing to a wide array of structures and functional groups.

The assertion that organic compounds are exclusively made from non-living sources is not accurate. In fact, many organic compounds are derived from living organisms, such as proteins, carbohydrates, lipids, and nucleic acids. Even compounds synthesized in laboratories can often mimic those found in living systems. While some organic compounds can indeed be synthesized from non-living sources, this is more of a method of production rather than a defining characteristic of organic compounds themselves.

In contrast, criteria such as being insoluble in water can vary widely among organic compounds, and many organic molecules do dissolve in water, particularly those that are polar. Thus, the concept of being exclusively derived from non-living sources is incorrect when defining organic compounds, making it the right choice in this context.