![]() Overview of Functional Groups in Biological. Hydrogen bonds connect two strands of DNA together to create the double-helix structure. Functional groups are certain groups of molecules that can attach to another molecule and add to their function. ![]() Hydrogen bonds are also involved in various recognition processes, such as DNA complementary base pairing and the binding of an enzyme to its substrate, as illustrated in Figure. Hydrogen bonds between functional groups (within the same molecule or between different molecules) are important to the function of many macromolecules and help them to fold properly into and maintain the appropriate shape for functioning. The functional groups shown here are found in many different biological molecules. Other functional groups, such as the carbonyl group, have a partially negatively charged oxygen atom that may form hydrogen bonds with water molecules, again making the molecule more hydrophilic. This carboxyl group ionizes to release hydrogen ions (H +) from the COOH group resulting in the negatively charged COO - group this contributes to the hydrophilic nature of whatever molecule it is found on. Among the hydrophilic functional groups is the carboxyl group found in amino acids, some amino acid side chains, and the fatty acids that form triglycerides and phospholipids. An example of a hydrophobic group is the non-polar methane molecule. Functional groups are usually classified as hydrophobic or hydrophilic depending on their charge or polarity characteristics. These groups play an important role in the formation of molecules like DNA, proteins, carbohydrates, and lipids. Some of the important functional groups in biological molecules are shown in Figure they include: hydroxyl, methyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate, and sulfhydryl. Each of the four types of macromolecules-proteins, lipids, carbohydrates, and nucleic acids-has its own characteristic set of functional groups that contributes greatly to its differing chemical properties and its function in living organisms.Ī functional group can participate in specific chemical reactions. The functional groups in a macromolecule are usually attached to the carbon backbone at one or several different places along its chain and/or ring structure. Molecules with other elements in their carbon backbone are substituted hydrocarbons. ![]() This carbon backbone is formed by chains and/or rings of carbon atoms with the occasional substitution of an element such as nitrogen or oxygen. They are found along the “carbon backbone” of macromolecules. Functional groups are groups of atoms that occur within molecules and confer specific chemical properties to those molecules.
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