Functional Groups in Biology Flashcards

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?

A group containing a nitrogen atom single bonded to two hydrogen atoms: -N(-H)H or -NH2 Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a sulfhydryl group?

A group containing a sulfur atom connected by a covalent bond to a hydrogen atom: -SH Signup and view all the answers

Describe the phosphate group.

A group containing an oxygen atom single bonded to a phosphorus atom which is double bonded to an oxygen atom and single bonded to two other oxygen atoms: PO4 Signup and view all the answers

What is the structure of a methyl group?

A group containing a carbon atom single bonded to three separate hydrogen atoms: CH3 Signup and view all the answers

What are the specific names associated with hydroxyl groups?

Alcohols, with specific names usually ending in -ol Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of carbonyl groups when they are internal in a carbon skeleton?

Ketones, and aldehydes if the carbonyl group is at the end of a carbon skeleton. Signup and view all the answers

What are carboxyl groups commonly referred to as?

Carboxylic acids or organic acids. Signup and view all the answers

What are amino groups known as?

Amines Signup and view all the answers

What are sulfhydryl groups known as?

Thiols Signup and view all the answers

What is the common name for phosphate groups?

Organic phosphates Signup and view all the answers

What are methyl groups known as?

Methylated compounds Signup and view all the answers

What properties do hydroxyl groups exhibit?

Hydroxyl groups are polar and can form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, helping dissolve organic compounds. Signup and view all the answers

What are the properties of carbonyl groups?

Ketones and aldehydes may be structural isomers with different properties and are found in sugars: ketoses and aldoses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a key property of carboxyl groups?

Acts as an acid because the covalent bond between oxygen and hydrogen is polar; found in an ionized form with a charge of -1 called a carboxylate ion. Signup and view all the answers

What property do amino groups have?

Acts as a base and is found in cells in the ionized form with a charge of +1. Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant property of sulfhydryl groups?

Two sulfhydryl groups can react, forming a covalent bond, which helps stabilize protein structure. Signup and view all the answers

What properties do phosphate groups possess?

Contributes a negative charge to the molecule of which it is a part and can react with water, releasing energy. Signup and view all the answers

What effect do methyl groups have on genes?

Addition of a methyl group to DNA, or to molecules bound to DNA, affects the expression of genes. Signup and view all the answers

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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Description

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!