Multiple Choice
How can variations in amino acid sequences within proteins affect an organism?
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3. Amino Acids
Amino Acid Groups
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Which group is responsible for making each amino acid unique?
A
Hydrogen atom
B
Carboxyl group ($\mathrm{COOH}$)
C
R group (side chain)
D
Amino group ($\mathrm{NH_2}$)
Verified step by step guidance1
Understand the structure of an amino acid: Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom (called the alpha carbon) bonded to four groups: a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group ($\mathrm{COOH}$), an amino group ($\mathrm{NH_2}$), and a unique side chain (R group).
Recognize that the hydrogen atom, carboxyl group ($\mathrm{COOH}$), and amino group ($\mathrm{NH_2}$) are common to all amino acids. These groups do not vary between different amino acids.
Learn that the R group, also known as the side chain, is the part of the amino acid that varies and determines the unique chemical properties of each amino acid.
Understand that the R group can be as simple as a hydrogen atom (as in glycine) or a complex structure (as in tryptophan). The diversity of R groups is what gives amino acids their unique characteristics.
Conclude that the R group is responsible for making each amino acid unique, as it defines the amino acid's size, polarity, charge, and reactivity.
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