Final answer:
The functional group described by a nitrogen atom attached to a carbonyl carbon atom is an amide, characterized by the CONH2 group. This group is significant in the structure of proteins and other biomolecules.
Step-by-step explanation:
Identifying Functional Groups in Organic Molecules
The functional group in a molecule that includes a nitrogen atom attached to a carbonyl carbon atom is an amide. Amides are characterized by the presence of a CONH2 group, where the nitrogen can be attached to hydrogen or carbon. This group is essential in biochemistry and organic chemistry, as it forms the backbone of proteins, through peptide bonds linking amino acids. The simplest amides have two hydrogen atoms attached to the nitrogen, and as such, urea and asparagine are examples of compounds containing an amide functional group.
In the context provided, the molecule has been identified to have the CONH2 functional group, which confirms it is an amide. Unlike amines, which have a nitrogen directly connected to alkyl groups or hydrogen, amides have a nitrogen atom that is bonded to a carbonyl carbon atom. Recognizing different functional groups like amides is crucial as it aids in understanding common medications and biomolecules such as amino acids, carbohydrates, and fats.