Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about amino acids is true?
A
All amino acids have a carboxyl group and an amino group attached to the same carbon atom.
B
The side chain (R group) of all amino acids is identical.
C
All amino acids are nonpolar at physiological pH.
D
Amino acids do not contain chiral centers.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of amino acids. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and consist of a central carbon atom (called the alpha carbon) to which four groups are attached: a carboxyl group (-COOH), an amino group (-NH2), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group).
Step 2: Evaluate the first statement: 'All amino acids have a carboxyl group and an amino group attached to the same carbon atom.' This is true for standard amino acids, as the carboxyl and amino groups are both attached to the alpha carbon.
Step 3: Evaluate the second statement: 'The side chain (R group) of all amino acids is identical.' This is false because the R group varies among amino acids and determines their unique properties, such as polarity, charge, and hydrophobicity.
Step 4: Evaluate the third statement: 'All amino acids are nonpolar at physiological pH.' This is incorrect because amino acids can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic depending on the nature of their R group. For example, glutamate is acidic, while lysine is basic.
Step 5: Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Amino acids do not contain chiral centers.' This is false because most amino acids (except glycine) have a chiral alpha carbon, meaning they exist in L- and D- stereoisomers. The L-form is predominant in biological systems.