A large number of organic compounds that are present in the living world determine the physical and chemical behavior of life. It should be emphasized that these compounds are synthesized by the chemical machinery of the cell through rout6es that are unique to living matter. Before we discuss the functional important of these organic compounds, it would be desirable to consider functional groups involved in chemical reactions. These functional groups are linked to the carbon skeletons of organic compounds. These groups are conveniently divided into major into aliphatic and aromatic Groups.

Major Allphatic Groups