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 component of an amino acid is primarily responsible for its unique chemical properties?

The carboxyl group (\(-COOH\))

The amino group (\(-NH_2\))

The side chain (R group)

The central (alpha) carbon

Previous problemNext problem

Verified step by step guidance

Understand the structure of an amino acid: Amino acids consist of a central (alpha) carbon atom bonded to four groups: a carboxyl group (

- C_{1} (OH)

), an amino group (

- N_{2} (H)

), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group).

Recognize the role of the carboxyl group (

- C_{1} (OH)

): This group contributes to the acidic properties of the amino acid but does not determine its unique chemical properties.

Understand the function of the amino group (

- N_{2} (H)

): This group contributes to the basic properties of the amino acid but also does not define its uniqueness.

Focus on the side chain (R group): The R group is the variable component of an amino acid and is primarily responsible for its unique chemical properties. It can range from a simple hydrogen atom (as in glycine) to complex structures (as in tryptophan). The R group determines the amino acid's polarity, charge, and reactivity.

Conclude with the central (alpha) carbon: While the central carbon is a structural component that connects the other groups, it does not contribute to the unique chemical properties of the amino acid. The R group is the key determinant.