Biochemical Basis of Life

Question 1

Methyl Group

Answer 1

Single carbon alkyl
Component of fatty acid chains
Insoluble in water

Question 2

Ether Group

Answer 2

Oxygen bonded to two alkyl groups

Question 3

Hydroxyl Group

Answer 3

Present in alcohols, sugars, and amino acids

Question 4

Phenols

Answer 4

Hydroxyl groups bound to a benzene ring

Aromatic compounds

Question 5

Sulfhydryl Group

Answer 5

Sulfur analog of hydroxyl group
Functionally similar to alcohols
Form disulfide bonds in some amino acids
Molecules with these are called thiols

Question 6

Carbonyl Group

Answer 6

Present in sugars, amino acids, and nucleotides

Water soluble

Question 7

Aldehydes

Answer 7

Carbonyl group at end of a carbon backbone
React to form more complex molecules
Include odors of cinnamon, vanilla, and rancid butter

Question 8

Ketones

Answer 8

Carbonyl group attached in the middle of a carbon backbone

Good solvents or polymers

Question 9

Carboxyl Group

Answer 9

Associated with organic acids
Present in amino acids and fatty acids
Very polar and water soluble
Act as acids by ionizing by giving up H+ ions in solution
Vinegar is a common example

Question 10

Esters

Answer 10

Formed by the reaction between an alcohol and an acid
An alkyl group replaces an H on the organic acid and water is condensed
Fruit odors and aspirin are examples

Question 11

Amine Group

Answer 11

Nitrogen-based derivatives of ammonia
Present in amino acids and nucleotides
Water soluble
Acts as a weak base in solution by attracting protons to produce an ionized form

Question 12

Phosphate Group

Answer 12

Found in DNA, RNA, ATP, and many proteins and phospholipids
Water soluble and acidic
High-energy bonds