Is tryptophan hydrophobic or hydrophilic?
Understand the Problem
The question is asking whether tryptophan, an amino acid, is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. This involves understanding the chemical properties of tryptophan and its behavior in aqueous environments.
Answer
Hydrophobic
Tryptophan is considered hydrophobic.
Answer for screen readers
Tryptophan is considered hydrophobic.
More Information
Tryptophan, despite having a polar NH group, is classified as hydrophobic due to its participation in the hydrophobic core of protein structural domains.
Tips
Common confusion arises due to Tryptophan's polar NH group; however, its overall characteristics make it hydrophobic.
Sources
- IMGT 'hydrophobic' class - IMGT - imgt.org
- Why are Tyrosine and Tryptophan considered hydrophobic? - Chemistry Stack Exchange - chemistry.stackexchange.com
- Hydrophobic and Polar Amino Acids - Wisconsin University - .chem.wisc.edu
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