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Functional Groups and Their Properties in Biology

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  • Amino group (R-NH2)

    Basic, polar, hydrophilic; found in amino acids and bases of nucleic acid.
  • Carboxyl group (R-COOH)

    Acidic, polar, hydrophilic; found in amino acids, fatty acids, and other acids.
  • Carbonyl group (R-CO-R)

    Polar, hydrophilic; found in sugars, proteins, and bases of nucleic acids.
  • Hydroxyl group (R-OH)

    Polar, hydrophilic; found in sugars and alcohols.
  • Phosphate group (R-PO4)

    Acidic, polar, hydrophilic; found in phospholipids in membranes, DNA backbone, ATP; important in regulation.
  • Methyl group (R-CH3)

    Nonpolar, hydrophobic; found in fatty acid chains and acts as an imprint on DNA for regulation.