BI108: Functional Groups

Methyl

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

CH3

Alkyl

Nonpolar hydrophobic

Hydroxyl

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

OH

Alcohol

Polar hydrophilic

Sulfhydryl

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

SH

Thiols

polar hydrophilic

Aldehyde

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

COH or H-C=O

Aldehydes

polar, hydrophilic

Keto

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

CO or C=O

Ketones

Polar , hydrophilic

Carboxyl

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

COOH or O=C-OH --> O=C-O

Carboxylic Acids

Acidic (donates H+ --> resulting molecule is - charged)

Amino

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Traits:

NH2 --> NH3

Amines

Basic (can accept H+ --> resulting molecule: + charged)

Ionizes in living tissues to form NH3+

Phosphate

Chemical determinant:

Compound type:

Trait:

Function:

PO4H2 --> PO4

Organic Phosphate

Acidic