Overview
This lecture reviews common functional groups and key organic chemistry concepts used in biochemistry, focusing on their properties, reactivity, and importance in biological systems.
Review of Functional Groups
- Functional groups are specific groups of atoms that determine the reactivity of organic molecules in biochemistry.
- Common functional groups include alcohols, carboxylic acids, esters, amides, amines, thioesters, disulfides, and phosphates.
- Oxygen, nitrogen, sulfur, and phosphorus-containing groups are especially important in biochemical reactions.
- Functional groups are foundational for building larger molecules and understanding biological reactivity.
The Chirality2 App for Review
- The Chirality2 app helps review functional groups, chirality, stereoisomers, and nomenclature.
- The app provides interactive features like drag-and-drop identification and mini-quizzes to reinforce learning.
Importance of Functional Groups in Biochemistry
- Functional groups drive organic reactions central to life, especially in aqueous (water-based) biological environments.
- Properties like polarity, solubility, and intermolecular forces depend on the functional groups present.
- Acid-base properties are significant: carboxylic acids act as acids, amines as bases in biological systems.
Reaction Mechanisms in Biochemistry
- Organic chemistry principles apply directly to biochemical reactions, especially in enzyme-catalyzed processes.
- Understanding reaction mechanisms (electron flow, nucleophile/electrophile roles) is key for interpreting biological reactivity.
- Reaction arrows indicate electron movement from electron-rich (nucleophile) to electron-poor (electrophile) centers.
- Transition states are indicated by dashed lines and show partial bonds forming/breaking.
- Enzyme mechanisms use the same rules as organic reaction mechanisms.
Polymers and Biological Macromolecules
- Polymers (macromolecules) such as proteins and lipids are made from smaller organic building blocks.
- Proteins have peptide (amide) backbones formed by reacting carboxylic acids with amines.
- Understanding how functional groups link to form polymers is essential for biochemistry.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Functional Group — A specific grouping of atoms that imparts characteristic chemical properties to a molecule.
- Nucleophile — An electron-rich atom or group that donates electrons to an electrophile in a chemical reaction.
- Electrophile — An electron-deficient atom or group that accepts electrons from a nucleophile.
- Transition State — A high-energy, intermediate structure during a chemical reaction where bonds are partially formed or broken.
- Polymer — A large molecule composed of repeating subunits (monomers).
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review Table 1.2 and identify all listed functional groups, their names, and their structures.
- Practice using the Chirality2 app to reinforce recognition of functional groups.
- Study the chemical properties and reactivities of major functional groups, especially acid-base behavior.
- Prepare for learning about the role of water and acid-base chemistry in the next section.