What are amino acids and what is their general structure?
Understand the Problem
The question appears to be discussing the structure and properties of amino acids, detailing their composition and functional groups.
Answer
Amino acids have a central carbon, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen, and a variable R group.
Amino acids are organic compounds containing an α-carboxyl group, an α-amino group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group attached to a central carbon atom (Cα). The properties of amino acids vary based on the R group, which can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic.
Answer for screen readers
Amino acids are organic compounds containing an α-carboxyl group, an α-amino group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group attached to a central carbon atom (Cα). The properties of amino acids vary based on the R group, which can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic.
More Information
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins. Their diverse R groups allow proteins to have complex structures and functions.
Tips
Confusing the role of the R group with the amino or carboxyl groups can lead to misunderstandings about amino acid functions.
Sources
- Amino acid - Wikipedia - en.wikipedia.org
- Amino Acids | Definition, Types & Structure - Study.com - study.com
