Textbook Question
Give the name and three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid described by each of the following:
a. the nonpolar 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
Write the name for the amino acid represented by each of the following abbreviations:
d. Cys
Verified step by step guidance1
Identify the abbreviation 'Cys' as the three-letter code for an amino acid.
Recall that 'Cys' stands for the amino acid cysteine, which is one of the 20 standard amino acids.
Understand that cysteine is unique because it contains a thiol (-SH) group in its side chain, making it important for forming disulfide bonds in proteins.
Note that the full name of the amino acid 'Cys' is 'cysteine'.
Write the name 'cysteine' as the answer for the abbreviation 'Cys'.
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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 the properties of each amino acid. There are 20 standard amino acids, each represented by a three-letter abbreviation and a one-letter code, which are essential for various biological functions.
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Cysteine
Cysteine is a sulfur-containing amino acid, abbreviated as 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, a key antioxidant in the body.
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Abbreviations in Biochemistry
In biochemistry, amino acids are often represented by standard abbreviations to simplify communication and notation. Each amino acid has a unique three-letter abbreviation (e.g., Cys for cysteine) and a one-letter code (C). Understanding these abbreviations is essential for interpreting protein sequences and studying biochemical pathways.
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