Multiple Choice
Which functional group is present in every amino acid?
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3. Amino Acids
Amino Acid Groups
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Which functional groups are present in all \( \alpha \)-amino acids?
A
A sulfhydryl group (\( -SH \)) and a carboxyl group (\( -COOH \))
B
A hydroxyl group (\( -OH \)) and a methyl group (\( -CH_3 \))
C
An amino group (\( -NH_2 \)) and a carboxyl group (\( -COOH \))
D
A phosphate group (\( -PO_4^{2-} \)) and an amino group (\( -NH_2 \))
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the structure of an α-amino acid. All α-amino acids have a central carbon atom (called the α-carbon) bonded to four groups: an amino group (
), a carboxyl group (
), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group).
Step 2: Analyze the functional groups listed in the problem. A sulfhydryl group (
) and a hydroxyl group (
) are not present in all α-amino acids; these are specific to certain side chains.
Step 3: Evaluate the correct answer. The amino group (
) and carboxyl group (
) are present in all α-amino acids, as these are the defining functional groups of amino acids.
Step 4: Eliminate incorrect options. A phosphate group (
) is not a characteristic functional group of α-amino acids, and a methyl group (
) is only present in specific side chains, not universally.
Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is the amino group (
) and carboxyl group (
), as these are the functional groups present in all α-amino acids.
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