Functional Groups AP BIOLOGY

Front

What is a hydroxyl group?

Back

A functional group consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-OH). It is polar, hydrophilic, and commonly found in alcohols, sugars, and glycerol. Names of compounds with this group typically end in -ol.

Front

What is a carboxyl group?

Back

A functional group that contains a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-COOH). It is polar, hydrophilic, and acts as a weak acid, found in amino acids and fatty acids.

Front

What is a sulfhydryl group?

Back

A functional group consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom (-SH). It is polar and hydrophilic, and it helps stabilize the structure of proteins by forming disulfide bonds.

Front

What is a carbonyl group?

Back

A functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). It can be found in two forms: ketones (within a carbon chain) and aldehydes (at the end of a carbon chain). It is polar and hydrophilic.

Front

What is a phosphate group?

Back

A functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, one of which is double-bonded (–PO4). It is polar, acidic, and hydrophilic, and is found in ATP, DNA, and RNA, playing a key role in energy transfer.

Front

What are functional groups?

Back

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties and reactivity of organic compounds.

Front

What is the significance of polar functional groups?

Back

Polar functional groups interact well with water, making compounds containing them hydrophilic. This property is crucial for biological molecules, influencing solubility and reactivity.

Front

What is an amine group?

Back

A functional group that contains a nitrogen atom bonded to one or more carbon atoms (–NH2). It is polar and can act as a base, accepting protons in biological systems.

Front

What is a methyl group?

Back

A functional group consisting of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms (–CH3). It is nonpolar and hydrophobic, often affecting the solubility and reactivity of organic molecules.

Front

What is the role of functional groups in biological molecules?

Back

Functional groups determine the chemical properties and reactions of biological molecules, influencing their structure, function, and interactions in living organisms.