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Multiple Choice
Which of the following statements about glycine is true?
A
Glycine is the only amino acid with a hydrogen atom as its side chain (R group).
B
Glycine has a sulfur-containing side chain.
C
Glycine is classified as an aromatic amino acid.
D
Glycine contains a chiral center at its alpha carbon.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of glycine: Glycine is the simplest amino acid with the molecular formula NH₂-CH₂-COOH. Its side chain (R group) is a single hydrogen atom.
Analyze the first statement: 'Glycine is the only amino acid with a hydrogen atom as its side chain (R group).' This is correct because glycine's R group is indeed a hydrogen atom, making it unique among amino acids.
Evaluate the second statement: 'Glycine has a sulfur-containing side chain.' This is incorrect because glycine does not contain sulfur; amino acids like cysteine and methionine have sulfur-containing side chains.
Evaluate the third statement: 'Glycine is classified as an aromatic amino acid.' This is incorrect because aromatic amino acids, such as phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan, have aromatic rings in their structure, which glycine lacks.
Evaluate the fourth statement: 'Glycine contains a chiral center at its alpha carbon.' This is incorrect because glycine's alpha carbon is bonded to two identical hydrogen atoms, making it achiral (not chiral).