Chapter 2.6: Functional Groups Give Molecules Specific Properties

Flashcards from Chapter 2.6 of Principles of Life, 3rd Edition.

Functional groups

Groups of atoms that affect the four macromolecules through their number and location by conferring different properties

Organic chemistry

The study of carbon due to the available bonds that make it highly versatile

Methyl

A nonpolar group important for the modification of proteins and cytosine (C) nucleotide

• Type of alkyl, expressed as CH₃ to a substance

Hydroxyl

A polar group involved in hydrogen bonding and condensation reactions

• Type of alcohol, expressed as OH to a substance

Sulfhydryl

A polar group that can form stabilizing disulfide bridges in proteins

• Type of thiol, expressed as SH to a substance

Aldehyde

A very reactive polar group important in energy releasing reactions

• Expressed as C that is double bonded to O and single bonded to H

Keto

A polar group important in carbohydrates and energy reactions

• Type of ketone, expressed as carbon double bonded to oxygen

Carboxyl

A charged, acidic group that ionizes in living tissues to form COO^- and H⁺, reacting with amino groups to form peptide bonds

• Expressed as C double bonded to H and single bonded to OH

Amino

A charged, basic group that accepts H⁺ in living tissue to form NH₃⁺; and reacts with carboxyl groups to form peptide bonds

• Expressed as N single bonded to two different H atoms

Phosphate

A polar, hydrophilic, and acidic molecule that ionizes in living tissues and enters into condensation reactions

• Strongly exergonic with hydrolysis in water

Structural isomers

Molecules with the same chemical composition but different groupings and joinings, like glucose and fructose both having C₆H₁₂O₆

Stereoisomers

Molecules with the same chemical compositions and groups but differ in their three-dimensional geometry