Textbook Question
Give the name and three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid described by each of the following:
c. the polar amino acid with a sulfur atom in its side chain
18. Amino Acids and Proteins
Amino Acid Three Letter Codes
1:17 minutesProblem 9d
Textbook Question
Give the name for the amino acid represented by each of the following abbreviations:
d. Cys
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand that the question is asking for the full name of the amino acid represented by the abbreviation 'Cys'.
Step 2: Recall that amino acids are commonly represented by three-letter abbreviations, and each abbreviation corresponds to a specific amino acid.
Step 3: Identify 'Cys' as the three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid cysteine.
Step 4: Note that cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid with the chemical formula \( \text{C}_3\text{H}_7\text{NO}_2\text{S} \). It contains a thiol (-SH) group in its side chain, which is important for forming disulfide bonds in proteins.
Step 5: Conclude that the full name of the amino acid represented by 'Cys' is cysteine.
Verified video answer for a similar problem:This video solution was recommended by our tutors as helpful for the problem above
Video duration:
1mWas this helpful?
Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. They contain an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a unique side chain (R group) that determines their properties. There are 20 standard amino acids, each with a specific three-letter abbreviation and one-letter code, which are essential for various biological functions.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:03
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Cysteine
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid represented by the abbreviation 'Cys'. It plays a crucial role in protein structure and function due to its ability to form disulfide bonds, which stabilize protein conformation. Cysteine is also involved in various metabolic processes and is important for the synthesis of glutathione, an antioxidant.
Recommended video:
Guided course
2:41Interactions within the Tertiary Structure Concept 2
Amino Acid Abbreviations
Amino acid abbreviations are shorthand notations used to represent amino acids in scientific literature. Each amino acid has a unique three-letter abbreviation (like 'Cys' for cysteine) and a one-letter code (like 'C'). Understanding these abbreviations is essential for interpreting protein sequences and structures in biochemistry and molecular biology.
Recommended video:
Guided course
3:03Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
:41mWatch next
Master Amino Acid Three Letter Codes Concept 1 with a bite sized video explanation from Jules
Start learningRelated Videos
Related Practice