What is the basic structure of an amino acid?

Practice Questions

Q1
What is the basic structure of an amino acid?
  1. A central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a side chain
  2. A central nitrogen atom, a carboxyl group, and a side chain
  3. A central carbon atom, two carboxyl groups, and a side chain
  4. A central carbon atom, an amino group, and a hydroxyl group

Questions & Step-by-Step Solutions

What is the basic structure of an amino acid?
  • Step 1: Understand that an amino acid is a type of molecule.
  • Step 2: Identify the central carbon atom (C) that is the core of the amino acid.
  • Step 3: Recognize that there is an amino group (-NH2) attached to the central carbon. This group contains nitrogen (N) and hydrogen (H).
  • Step 4: Note that there is a carboxyl group (-COOH) also attached to the central carbon. This group contains carbon (C), oxygen (O), and hydrogen (H).
  • Step 5: Learn that there is a variable side chain, known as the R group, which can differ between different amino acids. This side chain gives each amino acid its unique properties.
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