Questions and Answers
What is the classification of amino acids based on?
What distinguishes non-polar amino acids?
They are hydrophobic and have R groups such as alkyl and aromatic.
Name two examples of aromatic side chain amino acids.
Phenylalanine and Tryptophan.
Acidic side chain amino acids include __________ and __________.
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Which types of side chains do basic amino acids have?
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What characterizes neutral side chain amino acids?
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Hydrophobic amino acids are water loving.
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Study Notes
Classification of Amino Acids
- Amino acids are categorized based on the characteristics of their R groups.
- Despite diversity, amino acids share fundamental similarities.
Categories of Classification
- Grouped based on:
- Charge (positive, negative, or neutral)
- Hydrogen bonding ability (polar vs. non-polar)
- Acidic versus Basic character
Non-Polar Amino Acids
- Hydrophobic; repel water.
- R groups primarily consist of:
- Alkyl chains
- Aromatic structures
Alkyl Side Chain Amino Acids
- Notable examples include:
- Glycine: behaves like an alkyl group without having one.
- Alanine: contains a methyl group (CH3).
- Valine: characterized by branched alkyl structure (CH(CH3)4).
- Proline: unique cyclic structure (C3H6).
- Methionine: contains a sulfur atom (CH2CH2SCH3).
- Isoleucine: branched alkyl chain (CH(CH3)CH2CH3).
- Leucine: branched structure with isopropyl group (CH3CH(CH3)2).
Aromatic Side Chain Amino Acids
- Notable members:
- Phenylalanine: features a benzyl group (CH2C6H5).
- Tryptophan: includes an indole structure (CH2C8H5NH).
Polar Amino Acids
- Hydrophilic; attracted to water.
- R groups can classify into:
- Neutral groups
- Acidic groups
- Basic groups
Neutral Side Chain Amino Acids
- Key examples include:
- Serine: contains a hydroxyl group (CH2OH).
- Threonine: has a branched hydroxyl structure (CH(OH)CH3).
- Asparagine: features an amide group (CH2CONH2).
- Glutamine: has an extended amide group (CH2CH2CONH2).
- Cysteine: contains a thiol group (CH2SH).
- Tyrosine: contains both hydroxyl and aromatic (CH2C6H4OH).
Acidic Side Chain Amino Acids
- Key members:
- Aspartic Acid: features a carboxyl group (CH2COOH).
- Glutamic Acid: has an extended carboxyl group (CH2CH2COOH).
- The carboxyl group acts as a strong hydrogen donor.
- Their conjugate bases are aspartate and glutamate upon proton donation.
Basic Side Chain Amino Acids
- Include:
- Histidine: contains a nitrogen-rich structure (CH2C3H2N2H).
- Lysine: long straight chain with an amino group (CH2(CH2)3NH2).
- Arginine: characterized by multiple nitrogen atoms in its side chain (CCH2(CH2)3NHCNHNH2).
- Nitrogen atoms make these amino acids strong proton acceptors, giving them basic properties.
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Description
Explore the classification of amino acids through engaging flashcards. This quiz covers categories such as charge, hydrogen bonding capacity, and polar versus non-polar characteristics. Perfect for students looking to enhance their understanding of biochemistry!
