Functional Groups

APBio main functional groups

Hydroxyl

R- OH

Polar, hydrogen bonds with water to help dissolve molecules

Enables linkages to other molecules by condensation

Alcohol class of compound

Example: Ethanol

Aldehyde

C=O group is very reactive. Important in building molecules and in energy-releasing reactions

Aldehydes class of compound

Example: Acetaldehyde

Keto

C=O is important in carbohydrates and in energy reactions

Ketones class of compound

Example: Acetone

Carboxyl

Acidic

Ionizes in living tissues to form -COO(-) and H+. Enters into condensation reactions by giving up -OH. Some carboxylic acids are important in energy releasing reactions.

Carboxylic acids class of compounds

Example: Acetate

Amino

Basic

Accepts h+ in living tissues to form -NH3+.

Enters into condensation reactions by giving up H+.

Amines class of compounds

Example: Methylamine

Phosphate

Negatively charges

Enters into condensation reactions by giving up -OH. When bonded to another phosphate, hydrolysis releases much energy

Organic phosphates class of compounds

Example: 3-Phosphoglycerate

Sulfhydryl

By giving up H, two -SH groups can react to form a disulfide bridge (S-S), thus stabilizing protein structure

Thiols class of compounds

Example: Mercaptoethanol