Hydrocarbons & Functional Groups

Question 1

Why are hydrocarbons non-polar?

Answer 1

They contain only carbon and hydrogen, which shares electrons equally

Question 2

What is a functional group?

Answer 2

A reactive cluster of atoms that influences a molecule’s properties.

Question 3

Why are functional groups important in biological molecules?

Answer 3

They determine molecular properties and reactivity

Question 4

Differentiate between condensation and hydrolysis reactions.

Answer 4

Condensation builds macromolecules by removing water, hydrolysis breaks then by adding water

Question 5

Name four FG and their roles

Answer 5

• Hydroxyl (-OH): Increases solubility (e.g., alcohols).
  • Carboxyl (-COOH): Acts as an acid (e.g., amino acids).
  • Amino (-NH₂): Acts as a base (e.g., proteins).
  • Phosphate (-PO₄³⁻): Involved in energy transfer (e.g., ATP).

Question 6

Why is carbon well-suited as the basis of life?

Answer 6

It forms four covalent bonds, allowing for complex and stable molecules.