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

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Multiple Choice

Every amino acid has four groups attached to a central (alpha) carbon atom. What are the four groups?

Amino group, phosphate group, hydrogen atom, and R group (side chain)

Carboxyl group, methyl group, hydrogen atom, and R group (side chain)

Amino group, carboxyl group, hydroxyl group, and R group (side chain)

Amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and R group (side chain)

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Verified step by step guidance

Step 1: Begin by understanding the structure of an amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and share a common structure centered around a single alpha carbon atom.

Step 2: Identify the four groups attached to the alpha carbon. These groups are: (1) an amino group (-NH₂), (2) a carboxyl group (-COOH), (3) a hydrogen atom (H), and (4) an R group (side chain) that varies depending on the specific amino acid.

Step 3: Compare the options provided in the problem. Eliminate choices that include incorrect groups, such as 'phosphate group,' 'methyl group,' or 'hydroxyl group,' as these are not part of the standard amino acid structure.

Step 4: Confirm that the correct answer matches the universal structure of amino acids: amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and R group (side chain). This structure is consistent across all amino acids, with the R group providing variability.

Step 5: Reinforce the concept by noting that the R group determines the chemical properties and classification of the amino acid (e.g., polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic). This is a key feature in understanding amino acid behavior in biochemical processes.