Functional Groups are unique combinations f atoms that are recognized as having unique properties impacting the role of that molecule; are the regions of organic molecules most commonly involved in chemical rxns; are amino acid monomers. A monomer is a subunit of a polymer. A polymer is a large molecule consisting of many identical/similar subunits (building blocks) in a "train" of bonds. There are 7 basic functional groups: hydroxyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino (amines), sulfhydryl, methyl, and phosphate; as well, as some less prevalent ones.
Hydroxyl
(OH)Common Name= Alcohols
purpose = polarize a molecule; make soluble
e.g. ethanol
Carbonyl
(CO) 2 isomers
Aldehydes (CO at end of a C chain) are toxic
eg. propanol
Ketones (CO in the middle of a C chain) vaporizes and burns tissue
eg. acetone
purpose = polarize a molecule
Carboxyl
(COOH) Common Name= Carboxylic Acids
purpose= acts as an acid (gives up a H); is one end of an amino acid
eg. ascetic acid (vinegar)
Amino
(NH2 = nonionized; NH3 = ionized) Common Name= Amines
purpose= acts as a base (picks up a H);is the other end of an amino acid
eg. alanine, glycine, methianine, etc.
Sulfhydryl
(SH) Common Name= Thiols
purpose= stabilize intricate proteins with sulfhydryl bridges
eg. mercaptoethanol
Methyl
(CH3) Most Common Relative= Methane (CH4)
purpose= used in DNA inactivation in mammals by attaching to cytosine on the DNA strands
Phosphate
(PO4) Common Name= Organic Phosphates
purpose= form high energy bonds for GTP, ATP, AMP, GMP, etc.