12 Questions
What are the elements that make up amino acids?
Carbon (C), Hydrogen (H), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N), and Sulfur (S)
What makes glycine different from other amino acids in terms of its R group?
In glycine, the R group is a hydrogen atom (H).
Define an amphoteric molecule and explain why amino acids are considered amphoteric.
An amphoteric molecule can act as both an acid and a base. Amino acids are considered amphoteric because they contain both an amino group (basic) and a carboxyl group (acidic).
Describe the general structure of an amino acid molecule.
An amino acid molecule has an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R) all bonded to a central carbon atom ($C_a$).
What occurs during the formation of a peptide bond between two amino acids?
A condensation reaction occurs, forming a peptide bond as a water molecule ($H_2O$) is removed.
In a peptide bond formation, which parts of the amino acids combine to remove a water molecule?
The hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxyl group of one amino acid and a hydrogen atom (H) from the amino group of another amino acid.
What role does the R group play in distinguishing different amino acids?
The R group, or side chain, varies between amino acids and determines their unique properties.
Why is glycine an exception in the structure of amino acids?
In glycine, the R group is a hydrogen atom, making the central carbon symmetric.
Explain the term 'asymmetric carbon atom' in the context of amino acids.
An asymmetric carbon atom is attached to four different groups, creating a chiral center.
What functional groups make up the backbone of an amino acid?
The amino group (-NH2), carboxyl group (-COOH), and hydrogen atom (H) form the backbone.
What is the result of the condensation reaction between two amino acids?
The formation of a peptide bond and a water molecule.
What is meant by the amphoteric nature of amino acids?
Amino acids can act as both acids and bases.
Study Notes
Proteins
- Proteins are composed of 20 different amino acids.
- The elemental composition of amino acids includes C, H, O, N, and S.
Structure of Amino Acids
- Amino acids have an asymmetric carbon atom at their center, except for glycine.
- Each amino acid consists of an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.
- The R group, also known as the side chain, is unique to each amino acid.
- The R group is replaced by an H atom in glycine.
Properties of Amino Acids
- Amino acids can have one or more carboxyl and amino groups.
- Amino groups have an alkaline nature, while carboxyl groups have an acidic nature.
- Amino acids are amphoteric molecules, meaning they possess both alkaline and acidic properties.
Formation of Peptide Bond
- Two amino acids undergo a condensation reaction, resulting in a peptide bond.
- The reaction involves the removal of a water molecule, formed by the OH from one amino acid and H from the other amino acid.
Proteins
- Proteins are composed of 20 different amino acids.
- The elemental composition of amino acids includes C, H, O, N, and S.
Structure of Amino Acids
- Amino acids have an asymmetric carbon atom at their center, except for glycine.
- Each amino acid consists of an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group.
- The R group, also known as the side chain, is unique to each amino acid.
- The R group is replaced by an H atom in glycine.
Properties of Amino Acids
- Amino acids can have one or more carboxyl and amino groups.
- Amino groups have an alkaline nature, while carboxyl groups have an acidic nature.
- Amino acids are amphoteric molecules, meaning they possess both alkaline and acidic properties.
Formation of Peptide Bond
- Two amino acids undergo a condensation reaction, resulting in a peptide bond.
- The reaction involves the removal of a water molecule, formed by the OH from one amino acid and H from the other amino acid.
This quiz covers the structure and composition of proteins, including the role of amino acids and their elemental composition.
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