The Major Functional Groups in an Amino Acid

The Biochemistry of Movement > 9.7.4. Proteins are used as both structural molecules and enzymes to catalyse metabolic reactions > The Major Functional Groups in an Amino Acid >

Identify the major functional groups in an amino acid

• Functional groups attach to the carbon skeleton of the molecule. Common functional groups include: Methyl, Hydroxyl, Carbonyl, Carboxyl, Amino, Phosphate, and Sulfhydryl.
• Functional groups can be part of reactions and help in making proteins, carbohydrates, DNA, lipids, etc.
• The functional groups in an amino acid are the carboxyl and amino groups attached to the organic molecule (commonly represented with an R).