FUNCTIONAL GROUPS...  groups of atoms acting as a unit,
        that give biomolecules their chemical & physical properties,
        their chemical reactivity,  &  solubility in aqueous solutions... 
                most possess electronegative atoms (N, P, O, S...  easily attract protons)
                 key bonds are : ester  (C-O-C=O)     &     amide   (O=C-N-) bonds
                 most are ionizable at physiological pH...            
   

-NH2   AMINO* =    amino acid

-C=Ox CARBONYL* =    aldehyde/ketone
  -COOHx CARBOXYL* =    acid
  -OHx HYDROXYL*  =    alcohol

-CH3 METHYL* =    hydrocarbon

-PO4 PHOSPHATE* =    organic phosphate

-SH SULFHYDRYL* =    disulfide
       


other biological groups




                                  Consequences of functional groups*    
   
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  Consequences of Substitution of a  H  with a Functional Group
 
   ...Linking STRUCTURE,  EMERGENT PROPERTIES, and  BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY ?

        Ethane                  CH3-CH3               toxic, flammable gas

        Ethanol                 CH3-CH2-OH         ethyl alcohol, a potable drink

        Propionic acid       CH3-CH2-COOH       colorless, corrosive liquid with a pungent odor

        Ethyl mercaptan   CH3-CH2-SH          "rotten eggs" - the smell of natural gas.


  
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