Amino Acid Structure and Properties
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Questions and Answers

What is a requirement for a molecule to be chiral?

  • It has a carbon atom.
  • It has a carbon with four different groups. (correct)
  • It has a nitrogen atom.
  • It has four or more atoms.
  • Why can introducing the wrong-handed isomer of a chiral molecule have effects?

  • Because our bodies can use both isomers.
  • Because our bodies can only use one of the isomers. (correct)
  • Because the wrong-handed isomer is always harmless.
  • Because the wrong-handed isomer is always toxic.
  • What is unique about how chiral molecules interact with plane-polarized light?

  • They don't interact with it at all.
  • They reflect it completely.
  • They interact with it differently. (correct)
  • They absorb it completely.
  • Which of the following belongs to the right-handed family?

    <p>Carbohydrates</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the difference between the two isomers of carvone?

    <p>One smells like spearmint, the other like caraway.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the consequence of prescribing the wrong-handed isomer of thalidomide?

    <p>It caused horrific birth defects.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the main factor that determines the identity of an amino acid?

    <p>The side chain of the amino acid</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which type of side chains are the most polar due to their ionized form at physiological pH?

    <p>Acidic and basic side chains</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why are hydrogen bonds possible in certain amino acid side chains?

    <p>When a hydrogen atom is directly bonded to an oxygen or nitrogen atom</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the reason why biochemists prefer to use one-letter abbreviations for amino acids?

    <p>Because they are more commonly used</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How are amino acids typically grouped according to their side chains?

    <p>According to their main functional group in the side chain</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the location of the amine functional group in alpha amino acids?

    <p>On the first carbon out from the main functional group</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of naturally occurring amino acids?

    <p>They belong to the L-family</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Why can we digest D-sugars but not L-sugars?

    <p>Because of the inherent handedness of proteins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the result of the intramolecular acid-base reaction in amino acids?

    <p>Formation of a zwitterion</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the definition of a zwitterion?

    <p>A species that is electrically neutral but has separated positive and negative ionic charges</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the function of the acidic functional group in amino acids?

    <p>It donates a proton</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the characteristic of amino acids (except glycine)?

    <p>They are chiral</p> Signup and view all the answers

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