Which of the following elements is not required in order for the compound to be considered organic?

a. carbon        b.  oxygen        c.  hydrogen         d.  all must be present

If you answered OXYGEN you are right on target!  Organic compounds must contain at least carbon and hydrogen atoms.   Although the compounds that are associated with living systems usually contain atom types in addition to carbon and hydrogen, if these two atom types are in the compound, the compound is classified as organic. Thus, carbon dioxide is considered to be an inorganic molecule.

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Emma Erdahl, Associate Professor of Biology
Northern Virginia Community College
Revised 8/23/00