Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biology2h 42m
2. Chemistry3h 37m
3. Water1h 26m
4. Biomolecules2h 23m
5. Cell Components2h 26m
6. The Membrane2h 31m
7. Energy and Metabolism2h 0m
8. Respiration2h 40m
9. Photosynthesis2h 49m
10. Cell Signaling59m
11. Cell Division2h 47m
12. Meiosis2h 0m
13. Mendelian Genetics4h 44m
14. DNA Synthesis2h 27m
15. Gene Expression3h 6m
16. Regulation of Expression3h 31m
17. Viruses37m
- Viruses
  37m
18. Biotechnology2h 58m
19. Genomics17m
- Genomes
  17m
20. Development1h 5m
21. Evolution3h 1m
22. Evolution of Populations3h 53m
23. Speciation1h 37m
24. History of Life on Earth2h 6m
25. Phylogeny2h 31m
26. Prokaryotes4h 59m
27. Protists1h 12m
28. Plants1h 22m
29. Fungi36m
- Fungi
  19m
- Fungi Reproduction
  17m
30. Overview of Animals34m
- Overview of Animals
  34m
31. Invertebrates1h 2m
32. Vertebrates50m
33. Plant Anatomy1h 3m
34. Vascular Plant Transport1h 2m
- Water Potential
  1h 2m
35. Soil37m
- Soil and Nutrients
  20m
- Nitrogen Fixation
  16m
36. Plant Reproduction47m
- Flowers
  33m
- Seeds
  14m
37. Plant Sensation and Response1h 9m
38. Animal Form and Function1h 19m
39. Digestive System1h 10m
- Digestion
  1h 3m
- Blood Sugar Homeostasis
  7m
40. Circulatory System1h 49m
41. Immune System1h 12m
42. Osmoregulation and Excretion50m
- Osmoregulation and Excretion
  50m
43. Endocrine System1h 4m
- Endocrine System
  1h 4m
44. Animal Reproduction1h 2m
- Animal Reproduction
  1h 2m
45. Nervous System1h 55m
- Neurons and Action Potentials
  1h 8m
- Central and Peripheral Nervous System
  46m
46. Sensory Systems46m
- Sensory System
  46m
47. Muscle Systems23m
- Musculoskeletal System
  23m
48. Ecology3h 11m
49. Animal Behavior28m
- Animal Behavior
  28m
50. Population Ecology3h 41m
51. Community Ecology2h 46m
52. Ecosystems2h 36m
53. Conservation Biology24m
- Conservation Biology
  24m

4. Biomolecules

Functional Groups

General Biology

4. Biomolecules

Functional Groups

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1:07 minutes

Problem 5

Textbook Question

Of the following functional groups, which is/are polar, tending to make organic compounds hydrophilic?
a. Carbonyl
b. Amino
c. Hydroxyl
d. All of the above

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the concept of polarity: Polar functional groups have an uneven distribution of electrons, leading to partial positive and negative charges. This makes them hydrophilic, meaning they interact well with water.

Examine the carbonyl group: The carbonyl group (C=O) consists of a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom. Oxygen is highly electronegative, creating a polar bond. Therefore, the carbonyl group is polar and hydrophilic.

Analyze the amino group: The amino group (-NH₂) contains nitrogen, which is electronegative and forms polar bonds with hydrogen. This makes the amino group polar and hydrophilic.

Evaluate the hydroxyl group: The hydroxyl group (-OH) consists of an oxygen atom bonded to a hydrogen atom. Oxygen's electronegativity creates a polar bond, making the hydroxyl group hydrophilic.

Conclude based on the analysis: Since all three functional groups (carbonyl, amino, and hydroxyl) are polar and hydrophilic, the correct answer is 'all of the above.'

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Key Concepts

Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.

Functional Groups

Functional groups are specific groups of atoms within molecules that are responsible for the characteristic chemical reactions of those molecules. They determine the properties of organic compounds, including their polarity and solubility. Common functional groups include hydroxyl, carbonyl, and amino groups, each influencing the behavior of the compound in biological systems.

Polarity

Polarity refers to the distribution of electrical charge over the atoms in a molecule. A polar molecule has a partial positive charge on one side and a partial negative charge on the other, leading to an uneven distribution of charge. This property affects how molecules interact with each other, particularly in terms of solubility in water, where polar molecules tend to be hydrophilic (water-attracting).

Hydrophilicity

Hydrophilicity is the property of a substance to interact favorably with water, often due to the presence of polar functional groups. Compounds that are hydrophilic can dissolve in water, making them essential in biological processes. Functional groups like hydroxyl (-OH), amino (-NH2), and carbonyl (C=O) contribute to this property, allowing organic molecules to participate in biochemical reactions in aqueous environments.