Page 1 - Dehydration Synthesis, Hydrolysis, and Functional Groups

Flashcards covering dehydration synthesis, hydrolysis, and key functional groups (phosphates, methyl, carboxyl, hydroxyl, acetyl, sulfhydryl) as described in Page 1 notes.

In dehydration synthesis, which components are removed from monomers to form water and link them into a polymer?

A hydroxyl group (−OH) from one monomer and a hydrogen atom (H) from another are removed to form water, allowing the monomers to polymerize.

What does hydrolysis do to polymers?

Hydrolysis inserts a water molecule between monomers to break the polymer into monomers.

Which functional group is key for energy exchange and helps energize DNA monomers during assembly?

Phosphate groups (found in ATP/DNA) are key for energy exchange and help energize DNA monomers as they are put together.

Which functional group is used to silence DNA by turning off genes?

The methyl group.

What is the carboxyl functional group and its typical properties?

Carboxyl group (−COOH); generally acidic and polar.

Describe the hydroxyl functional group and its typical role.

Hydroxyl group (−OH); polar, hydrophilic, participates in hydrogen bonding, and can increase water solubility.

What is the acetyl group used for according to the notes?

Used to activate DNA.

What is the sulfhydryl group and its significance in proteins?

Sulfhydryl group (−SH); important in protein structure and can form disulfide bonds.

What is the general effect of polar functional groups on molecules?

They make molecules hydrophilic and water-soluble.