Chapter 3 - Proteins, Carbohydrates, and Lipids - 3.1 - Macromolecules Characterize Living Things - 3.1 Recap - Learning Outcomes - Page 45: 4

Functional groups determine the shapes of molecules, which in turn determines their functions. Functional groups also affect the bonds that holds the molecule together. Functional groups also affect the polarity of the bonds, which allows the molecule to orient itself to serve specific purposes. For example, the lipid bilayer in our cell membranes is comprised of phospholipids that have a polar (hydrophilic) end and a non-polar (hydrophobic) end.

Functional groups determine the shapes of molecules, which in turn determines their functions. Functional groups also affect the bonds that holds the molecule together. Functional groups also affect the polarity of the bonds, which allows the molecule to orient itself to serve specific purposes. For example, the lipid bilayer in our cell membranes is comprised of phospholipids that have a polar (hydrophilic) end and a non-polar (hydrophobic) end.