Quiz 1 Study Guide – Functional Groups, Linkages, Oxidation & Reduction

Vocabulary flashcards summarizing the key functional groups, biochemical linkages, and redox terminology highlighted in the video’s Quiz 1 study guide.

Alkyl Group (R-)

A saturated hydrocarbon substituent derived from an alkane; often abbreviated as R- and considered non-polar.

Alcohol (-OH)

Functional group with a hydroxyl attached to a saturated carbon atom; general formula R-OH.

Aldehyde (-CHO)

Carbonyl group in which the carbon is bonded to at least one hydrogen; written as R-CHO.

Carboxylic Acid (-COOH)

Functional group containing a carbonyl bonded to a hydroxyl; acidic and can donate a proton.

Carboxylate (-COO⁻)

Deprotonated (ionized) form of a carboxylic acid, carrying a negative charge.

Carbonyl Group (C=O)

A carbon double-bonded to oxygen; key feature of aldehydes, ketones, acids, esters, and amides.

Acyl Group (R-C=O)

Carbonyl carbon attached to an alkyl/aryl substituent; participates in forming esters, amides, and thioesters.

Thiol / Sulfhydryl (-SH)

Sulfur analog of an alcohol; capable of forming disulfide bonds and acting as a nucleophile.

Amine (-NH₂, ‑NHR, ‑NR₂)

Nitrogen-containing functional group; basic and can accept a proton to form ammonium ions.

Phosphate (Phosphoryl) Group

PO₄³⁻ unit; central to energy metabolism and nucleic-acid backbones.

Ester Linkage (R-COO-R′)

Bond formed by condensation of a carboxylic acid and an alcohol; common in fats and pheromones.

Ether Linkage (R-O-R′)

Two carbon groups connected through an oxygen atom; generally unreactive and non-polar.

Amide Linkage (R-CONH₂)

Carbonyl carbon bonded to nitrogen; primary structural feature of peptides and proteins.

Phosphate Ester

Covalent bond between a phosphate group and an alcohol oxygen (R-O-PO₃²⁻).

Phosphoanhydride Bond

High-energy bond joining two phosphate groups, as found in ATP and ADP.

Oxidation

Process involving loss of electrons, gain of oxygen, or loss of hydrogen; increases oxidation state.

Reduction

Process involving gain of electrons, loss of oxygen, or gain of hydrogen; decreases oxidation state.

Functional Group

Specific arrangement of atoms that imparts characteristic chemical properties and reactivity to organic molecules.