Table of contents

1. Introduction to Biochemistry4h 34m
2. Water3h 23m
3. Amino Acids8h 10m
4. Protein Structure10h 4m
5. Protein Techniques14h 5m
6. Enzymes and Enzyme Kinetics13h 38m
7. Enzyme Inhibition and Regulation 8h 42m
8. Protein Function 9h 41m
9. Carbohydrates7h 49m
10. Lipids5h 49m
11. Biological Membranes and Transport 6h 37m
12. Biosignaling9h 45m
Review 1: Nucleic Acids, Lipids, & Membranes2h 47m
Review 2: Biosignaling, Glycolysis, Gluconeogenesis, & PP-Pathway3h 12m
Review 3: Pyruvate & Fatty Acid Oxidation, Citric Acid Cycle, & Glycogen Metabolism2h 26m
Review 4: Amino Acid Oxidation, Oxidative Phosphorylation, & Photophosphorylation1h 48m

3. Amino Acids

Amino Acid Groups

Biochemistry

3. Amino Acids

Amino Acid Groups

Previous problemNext problem

Struggling with Biochemistry?

Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video

Multiple Choice

Which of the following amino acids would most likely be found on the surface of a protein?

Aspartic acid (Asp, D)

Leucine (Leu, L)

Phenylalanine (Phe, F)

Valine (Val, V)

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Understand the context of the problem. Proteins are composed of amino acids, and their structure determines their function. The surface of a protein is typically exposed to the aqueous environment, meaning amino acids on the surface are likely to be hydrophilic (water-loving). Hydrophobic (water-fearing) amino acids are usually found in the interior of the protein, away from water.

Step 2: Review the properties of the amino acids listed in the problem. Aspartic acid (Asp, D) is a polar, negatively charged amino acid, making it hydrophilic. Leucine (Leu, L), Phenylalanine (Phe, F), and Valine (Val, V) are nonpolar, hydrophobic amino acids.

Step 3: Recall that hydrophilic amino acids are more likely to be found on the surface of a protein because they can interact with the aqueous environment. Hydrophobic amino acids tend to cluster in the interior of the protein to avoid water.

Step 4: Based on the properties of the amino acids, identify which one is most likely to be found on the surface of the protein. Aspartic acid (Asp, D) is hydrophilic and negatively charged, making it suitable for surface exposure.

Step 5: Conclude that Aspartic acid (Asp, D) is the correct answer because its hydrophilic nature allows it to interact with the aqueous environment, unlike the other hydrophobic amino acids listed.