Chemistry of Amino Acids in Medical Studies Quiz

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What are amino acids?

Amino acids are building blocks (or monomers) of proteins.

Why study amino acids?

Studying amino acids helps us understand the structure/function relationship of many biomolecules, such as hormones and the primary structure of insulin.

What is the significance of stereochemistry in amino acids?

Stereochemistry in amino acids refers to the D & L isomers, which determine the spatial arrangement of the groups, making amino acids tetrahedral in nature.

How are amino acids classified?

Amino acids are classified based on their side chain properties, such as nonpolar, polar, acidic, and basic. Signup and view all the answers

What are the acid-base properties of amino acids?

Amino acids can act as both acids and bases, due to the presence of both an amino group and a carboxylic acid group. Signup and view all the answers

How do amino acids behave during titration?

Amino acids undergo titration behavior due to the presence of both acidic and basic functional groups. Signup and view all the answers

What is stereochemistry?

Stereochemistry refers to the ‘‘handedness’’ of a molecule and it is used to name the enantiomer of a chiral compound. Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred system of stereochemistry nomenclature?

The D,L-nomenclature based on D- and L-glyceraldehyde relative to the position of the α-amino group is preferred. Signup and view all the answers

What are the seven types of amino acids classified based on structure?

The seven types of amino acids classified based on structure are aliphatic, hydroxy, sulfur-containing, dicarboxylic acid and their amides, diamino, aromatic, and imino or heterocyclic amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

Provide an example of an aliphatic amino acid.

An example of an aliphatic amino acid is Alanine. Signup and view all the answers

Which amino acid category includes amino acids with a hydroxy group in the side chain?

The category of hydroxy amino acids includes Serine, Threonine, and Tyrosine. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes proline from other amino acids?

Proline differs from other amino acids in that it contains an imino group, rather than an amino group. Signup and view all the answers

What are the two major classes of amino acids based on the nature or polarity of their side chains?

The two major classes are hydrophilic or polar amino acids, and hydrophobic or nonpolar amino acids. Signup and view all the answers

What is the basis for the D,L-nomenclature system of stereochemistry?

The D,L-nomenclature system is based on D- and L-glyceraldehyde relative to the position of the α-amino group. Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of Fischer’s projection in stereochemistry?

Fischer’s projection is a simple representation used in stereochemistry, where the longest chain is oriented vertically and the more highly oxidized carbon is at the top. Signup and view all the answers