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. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group). The sequence and composition of amino acids in a protein determine its structure and function. In the context of the question, understanding how many amino acid units are formed from specific atoms requires knowledge of the molecular structure of amino acids.
Recommended video:
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Planarity of Amino Acids
The planarity of amino acid units arises from the peptide bond formation between the amino group of one amino acid and the carboxyl group of another. This bond creates a rigid structure due to the partial double bond character, which restricts rotation around the bond. As a result, the atoms involved in the peptide bond and the adjacent carbon atoms lie in the same plane, contributing to the overall planar nature of the polypeptide backbone.
Recommended video:
Amino Acid Catabolism: Amino Group Example 2
Peptide Bonds
Peptide bonds are covalent bonds that link amino acids together in a protein chain. Formed through a dehydration synthesis reaction, a peptide bond occurs when the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, releasing a molecule of water. This bond is crucial for protein structure, as it not only connects amino acids but also influences the overall conformation and stability of the protein due to its planar nature.
Recommended video:
3:03
