Biochemistry Structures (Exam 4)

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What is an amine?

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An amine is a functional group derived from ammonia (NH3) by replacing one or more hydrogen atoms with alkyl or aryl groups. Amines can be classified as primary, secondary, or tertiary based on the number of carbon-containing groups attached to the nitrogen.

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What is an ether?

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An ether is a class of organic compounds that contain an oxygen atom connected to two alkyl or aryl groups. The general structure is R-O-R', where R and R' are hydrocarbon chains.

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What is a phosphate group?

Back

A phosphate group is a functional group consisting of a phosphorus atom bonded to four oxygen atoms, one of which is double-bonded. It plays a crucial role in energy transfer (ATP) and is a key component of nucleic acids.

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What is an alkene?

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An alkene is a hydrocarbon that contains at least one carbon-carbon double bond (C=C). They are unsaturated compounds and can undergo reactions such as hydrogenation and polymerization.

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What is a carbonyl group?

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A carbonyl group is a functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). It is found in various organic compounds, including aldehydes and ketones.

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What are the properties of amines?

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Amines are typically basic due to the lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom. They can form hydrogen bonds, which gives them higher boiling points compared to hydrocarbons of similar molecular weight.

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How do ethers differ from alcohols?

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Ethers have an oxygen atom bonded to two carbon atoms (R-O-R'), while alcohols have a hydroxyl group (-OH) attached to a carbon atom. Ethers are generally less polar and have lower boiling points than alcohols.

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What is the significance of phosphate groups in biochemistry?

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Phosphate groups are essential for energy transfer in cells (as in ATP), and they are also key components of nucleotides, which make up DNA and RNA.

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What reactions can alkenes undergo?

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Alkenes can undergo several types of reactions, including addition reactions (such as hydrogenation, halogenation, and hydrohalogenation), polymerization, and oxidation.

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What are the differences between aldehydes and ketones?

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Aldehydes have a carbonyl group at the end of a carbon chain (R-CHO), while ketones have a carbonyl group within the carbon chain (R-CO-R'). Aldehydes are generally more reactive than ketones.