Functional Groups

Front

What is a functional group?

Back

A functional group is a specific group of atoms within a molecule that is responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of that molecule.

Front

What are the properties of amine functional groups?

Back

Amines are basic in nature and can accept protons due to the presence of a lone pair of electrons on the nitrogen atom.

Front

What role do phosphate groups play in biological systems?

Back

Phosphate groups are involved in energy transfer (as in ATP) and are key components of nucleic acids.

Front

What is the significance of methyl groups in gene regulation?

Back

Methyl groups can attach to DNA and affect gene expression without changing the DNA sequence, a process known as methylation.

Front

Where are phosphate groups typically found in nucleic acids?

Back

Phosphate groups are found at the 5' end of nucleic acids, linking nucleotides together.

Front

What is the structure of a carboxyl group?

Back

A carboxyl group consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and also bonded to a hydroxyl group (-COOH).

Front

What is the function of hydroxyl groups in organic molecules?

Back

Hydroxyl groups (-OH) are polar and can form hydrogen bonds, making molecules more soluble in water.

Front

What is a sulfhydryl group and its importance in proteins?

Back

A sulfhydryl group (-SH) can form disulfide bonds, which are important for the tertiary structure of proteins.

Front

How do functional groups affect the properties of organic compounds?

Back

Functional groups determine the reactivity, solubility, and polarity of organic compounds.

Front

What is the difference between polar and nonpolar functional groups?

Back

Polar functional groups have unequal sharing of electrons, leading to partial charges, while nonpolar groups share electrons equally.