Final answer:
Common functional groups in biomolecules include hydroxyl, methyl, carbonyl, carboxyl, amino, phosphate, and sulfhydryl groups, which are crucial in determining molecule properties and reactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
The structural group that is common in biomolecules is known as a functional group. Functional groups are distinct groups of atoms within molecules that determine the chemical reactions the molecules undergo. They attach to the carbon backbone of macromolecules, conferring specific chemical properties. Some of the most common functional groups in biomolecules include the hydroxyl (-OH), methyl (-CH3), carbonyl (C=O), carboxyl (-COOH), amino (-NH2), phosphate (-PO4), and sulfhydryl (-SH) groups. These groups are significant because they influence the properties and functions of the molecules, including reactivity and solubility. For instance, the presence of an equatorial hydroxyl group allows monosaccharides like glucose to polymerize to form cellulose, which provides structural support in plants.