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Multiple Choice
Removal of the sulfhydryl (–SH) functional group would disrupt the structure of which amino acid?
A
Cysteine
B
Lysine
C
Serine
D
Phenylalanine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the question: The problem is asking which amino acid's structure would be disrupted by the removal of the sulfhydryl (–SH) functional group. This requires knowledge of amino acid structures and their functional groups.
Recall the structure of cysteine: Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid with a sulfhydryl (–SH) group attached to its side chain. This group is critical for forming disulfide bonds, which stabilize protein structures.
Review the structures of the other amino acids: Lysine has an amino group (–NH2) in its side chain, serine has a hydroxyl group (–OH), and phenylalanine has a benzyl group. None of these contain a sulfhydryl (–SH) group.
Analyze the impact of removing the sulfhydryl group: Removing the –SH group from cysteine would disrupt its ability to form disulfide bonds, which are important for protein folding and stability. This disruption would not occur in lysine, serine, or phenylalanine because they do not have an –SH group.
Conclude that the amino acid affected by the removal of the sulfhydryl group is cysteine, as it is the only amino acid in the list with this functional group.