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Multiple Choice
Which of the following do all amino acids have in common?
A
A phosphate group
B
A double bond in the side chain
C
A sulfur atom
D
An amino group and a carboxyl group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Begin by understanding the basic structure of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have a central carbon atom, known as the alpha carbon.
Identify the common functional groups attached to the alpha carbon in all amino acids. These include an amino group (\(\)) and a carboxyl group (\(\)).
Recognize that the amino group is a basic group, which can accept a proton, while the carboxyl group is acidic, capable of donating a proton.
Note that the side chain, or R group, varies among different amino acids, giving each its unique properties, but the amino and carboxyl groups are consistent across all amino acids.
Understand that the presence of a phosphate group, a double bond in the side chain, or a sulfur atom is not common to all amino acids. These features may be present in specific amino acids but are not universal.