AP Biology Functional Groups Flashcard

Front

What is a functional group?

Back

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

Front

Define hydrophilic functional groups.

Back

Functional groups that are attracted to water and can form hydrogen bonds, making them soluble in water.

Front

What is the structure of a carbonyl group?

Back

A carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom (C=O). It can be found in ketones and aldehydes.

Front

What is the difference between ketones and aldehydes?

Back

Ketones have the carbonyl group within the carbon chain, while aldehydes have the carbonyl group at the end of the carbon chain.

Front

What is an amino group?

Back

A functional group consisting of a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms (-NH2), making it basic and hydrophilic.

Front

What is a carboxyl group?

Back

A functional group (-COOH) that contains both a carbonyl and a hydroxyl group, making it acidic and hydrophilic.

Front

What is a hydroxyl group?

Back

A functional group (-OH) consisting of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom, making it polar and hydrophilic.

Front

What is a phosphate group?

Back

A functional group (-PO4) that contains phosphorus and oxygen, often involved in energy transfer (e.g., ATP) and is hydrophilic.

Front

What is a sulfhydryl group?

Back

A functional group (-SH) that contains sulfur and hydrogen, which can form disulfide bonds, but is generally less hydrophilic.

Front

How does the carbonyl group increase hydrophilicity?

Back

The double bond to oxygen in the carbonyl group allows for hydrogen bonding with water, increasing solubility.