Biochem: Functional Groups

Question 1

Hydroxyl (-OH)

Answer 1

• increases solubility –> polar
• alcohols, ends with “-ol”

Question 2

Amino Group (-NH2)

Answer 2

• amines
• acts as base
• takes H+ from h2o

Question 3

Carboxyl Group (-COOH)

Answer 3

• oxygen double bonds to the main carbon
• carboxylic acids
• acts as acid

Question 4

Carbonyl Group (c=o)

Answer 4

• polar
• type of carbs

Question 5

Aldehyde

Answer 5

• carbonyl at end of carbon chain
• ends in “-al” or “-hydes”

Question 6

Ketone

Answer 6

• carbonyl bound to 2 other carbons/functional groups
• ends in “-one”

Question 7

Sulfhydryl Group (-SH)

Answer 7

• thiols
• help stabilize protein structure

Question 8

Phosphate Group (-PO4)

Answer 8

• super polar, more than water
• transfers energy b/w organic molecules
• has 2 hydroxyls, a double bond to oxygen, and another oxygen
• two hydroxyls (anions) make it more negative

Question 9

Methyl (-CH3)

Answer 9

• non polar, but attached may be polar
• methylated
• adding methyl to dna turns on/off genes or changes functions of hormones

Question 10

Ether (-COC)

Answer 10

• result of chemical rxn between 2 carboxyl groups
• slightly polar, but not polar enough to form h-bonds with other ethers

Question 11

Ester (-COO)

Answer 11

• consists of carboxyl group bound to two other carbon chains
• carboxyl + hydroxyl = ester
• polar