Amino Acid Structure and Properties

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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?

Carbohydrates Signup and view all the answers

What is the difference between the two isomers of carvone?

One smells like spearmint, the other like caraway. Signup and view all the answers

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

It caused horrific birth defects. Signup and view all the answers

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

The side chain of the amino acid Signup and view all the answers

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

Acidic and basic side chains Signup and view all the answers

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

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

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

Because they are more commonly used Signup and view all the answers

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

According to their main functional group in the side chain Signup and view all the answers

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

On the first carbon out from the main functional group Signup and view all the answers

What is the characteristic of naturally occurring amino acids?

They belong to the L-family Signup and view all the answers

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

Because of the inherent handedness of proteins Signup and view all the answers

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

Formation of a zwitterion Signup and view all the answers

What is the definition of a zwitterion?

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

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

It donates a proton Signup and view all the answers

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

They are chiral Signup and view all the answers