Functional Groups and Amino Acids

Flashcards covering key concepts related to functional groups and amino acids as discussed in the lecture.

Amino Acid

A building block of proteins, containing an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a unique side chain.

Functional Groups

Specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules.

Chiral Carbon Atom

A carbon atom that is attached to four different substituents, leading to non-superimposable mirror images.

Peptide Bond

The chemical bond that forms between the carboxyl group of one amino acid and the amino group of another.

Ionization of Amine

At physiological pH, amines gain a proton (H+) and become cationic.

Ionization of Carboxylic Acid

At physiological pH, carboxylic acids lose a proton (H+) and become anionic.

Polar Side Chain

A side chain of an amino acid that is hydrophilic and can form hydrogen bonds.

Nonpolar Side Chain

A side chain of an amino acid that is hydrophobic and does not interact favorably with water.

Stereoisomers

Molecules that have the same molecular formula but differ in the spatial arrangement of atoms due to chiral centers.

Amino Group

The functional group -NH₂, characteristic of amines and amino acids.

Carboxylic Acid Group

The functional group -COOH, characteristic of carboxylic acids and amino acids.

Thiol

A sulfur-containing functional group characterized by the -SH group.

Thioether

A functional group that contains a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon atoms.