Major Functional Groups in Life Sciences

Vocabulary flashcards covering the major functional groups, their chemical formulas, structural characteristics, and polar or chemical properties based on the lecture slide.

Methyl group

A non-polar functional group with the chemical formula $-CH_3$, consisting of a carbon atom bonded to three hydrogen atoms and an $R$ group.

Hydroxyl group

A polar functional group with the chemical formula $-OH$, consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and linked to an $R$ group.

Carboxyl group

An acidic functional group with the chemical formula $-COOH$, featuring a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl ($-OH$) group.

Amino group

A basic functional group with the chemical formula $-NH_2$, consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and linked to an $R$ group.

Phosphate group

An acidic functional group with the formula $-H_2PO_4$, composed of a central phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms and linked to an $R$ group.

Carbonyl group

A polar functional group with the formula $-COH$, consisting of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom, single-bonded to a hydrogen atom, and bonded to an $R$ group.

Sulfhydryl group

A polar functional group with the chemical formula $-SH$, consisting of a sulfur atom bonded to a hydrogen atom and attached to an $R$ group.

$R$ (in chemical structures)

A chemical notation representing some attached carbon chain.