Questions and Answers
What is the hydroxyl group?
A group containing an oxygen atom connected by a covalent bond to a hydrogen atom: -OH
What is the structure of a carbonyl group?
A group containing a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom: C=O
Describe the carboxyl group.
A group containing a carbon atom double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to a hydroxyl group: -C(=O)OH or -COOH
What does the amino group consist of?
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What is the structure of a sulfhydryl group?
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Describe the phosphate group.
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What is the structure of a methyl group?
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What are the specific names associated with hydroxyl groups?
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What is the name of carbonyl groups when they are internal in a carbon skeleton?
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What are carboxyl groups commonly referred to as?
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What are amino groups known as?
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What are sulfhydryl groups known as?
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What is the common name for phosphate groups?
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What are methyl groups known as?
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What properties do hydroxyl groups exhibit?
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What are the properties of carbonyl groups?
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What is a key property of carboxyl groups?
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What property do amino groups have?
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What is a significant property of sulfhydryl groups?
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What properties do phosphate groups possess?
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What effect do methyl groups have on genes?
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Study Notes
Functional Groups in Biology
- Hydroxyl Group (-OH): Composed of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom; characteristic of alcohols, which typically end in -ol.
- Carbonyl Group (C=O): Features a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, classified as ketones when located within a carbon skeleton and aldehydes when at the terminal position.
- Carboxyl Group (-COOH): Contains a carbon atom double-bonded to oxygen and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group; known as carboxylic acids or organic acids.
- Amino Group (-NH2): Involves a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms; regarded as amines and can act as a base in biological systems.
- Sulfhydryl Group (-SH): Comprises a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom; known as thiols, often found in proteins.
- Phosphate Group (PO4): Features a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, contributing a negative charge (-2 at molecule ends, -1 internally); involved in energy transfer processes.
- Methyl Group (CH3): Consists of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms; addition to DNA can influence gene expression.
Properties of Functional Groups
- Hydroxyl Properties: Polar due to the electronegative oxygen, facilitating hydrogen bonding with water and aiding in organic compound solubility.
- Carbonyl Properties: Ketones and aldehydes can act as structural isomers with distinct properties; they are significant in sugar chemistry, categorized as ketoses and aldoses.
- Carboxyl Properties: Exhibits acidic properties due to the polar covalent bond between oxygen and hydrogen; commonly found in ionized form (carboxylate ion) with a charge of -1.
- Amino Properties: Basic in nature, often found as an ionized species with a charge of +1 within cells.
- Sulfhydryl Properties: Facilitate the formation of covalent bonds between two sulfhydryl groups, creating cross-links that stabilize protein structures.
- Phosphate Properties: Imparts a negative charge to molecules containing it, enhancing reactivity with water, often leading to energy release.
- Methyl Properties: Modifies DNA or associated molecules, impacting gene expression through methylation processes.
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Test your knowledge on functional groups commonly found in biological molecules with these flashcards. Each card provides a clear definition and structure of crucial chemical groups like hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl. Perfect for students studying biology and organic chemistry!