Biochemical Basis of Life

Single carbon alkyl Component of fatty acid chains Insoluble in water

Oxygen bonded to two alkyl groups

Present in alcohols, sugars, and amino acids

Hydroxyl groups bound to a benzene ring Aromatic compounds

Sulfur analog of hydroxyl group Functionally similar to alcohols Form disulfide bonds in some amino acids Molecules with these are called thiols

Present in sugars, amino acids, and nucleotides Water soluble

Carbonyl group at end of a carbon backbone React to form more complex molecules Include odors of cinnamon, vanilla, and rancid butter

Carbonyl group attached in the middle of a carbon backbone Good solvents or polymers

Associated with organic acids Present in amino acids and fatty acids Very polar and water soluble Act as acids by ionizing by giving up H+ ions in solution Vinegar is a common example

Formed by the reaction between an alcohol and an acid An alkyl group replaces an H on the organic acid and water is condensed Fruit odors and aspirin are examples

Nitrogen-based derivatives of ammonia Present in amino acids and nucleotides Water soluble Acts as a weak base in solution by attracting protons to produce an ionized form

Found in DNA, RNA, ATP, and many proteins and phospholipids Water soluble and acidic High-energy bonds