Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about the synthesis of amino acids is accurate?
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3. Amino Acids
Amino Acid Groups
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Which of the following functional groups is found in all standard amino acids?
A
A carboxyl group (\(-COOH\))
B
A benzene ring
C
A phosphate group (\(-PO_4^{2-}\))
D
A sulfhydryl group (\(-SH\))
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Begin by recalling the general structure of standard amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and share a common structure consisting of an amino group (
), a carboxyl group (
), a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain (R group) attached to a central carbon atom (alpha carbon).
Step 2: Analyze the options provided in the question. The functional groups listed are: a carboxyl group (
), a benzene ring, a phosphate group (
), and a sulfhydryl group (
).
Step 3: Recall that the carboxyl group (
) is a defining feature of all standard amino acids. It is part of the core structure and contributes to the acidic properties of amino acids. None of the other options (benzene ring, phosphate group, sulfhydryl group) are universally present in all standard amino acids.
Step 4: Understand that while some amino acids may contain additional functional groups (e.g., a sulfhydryl group in cysteine or a benzene ring in phenylalanine), these are specific to certain amino acids and not found in all standard amino acids.
Step 5: Conclude that the carboxyl group (
) is the correct answer because it is universally present in the structure of all standard amino acids.
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