Amino acids are the monomers of proteins. Each amino acid consists of a carbon atom bound to a hydrogen atom, an amino group (-N
H2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a variable R group. Which functional group acts as an acid? A) amino group B) carboxyl group C) hydroxyl group D) phosphate group
In amino acids, the carboxyl group acts as an acid.
Answer: Option B
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Explanation:
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The molecular formula of the carboxyl group is -COOH. It is composed of one carbon atom bonded with oxygen atom and hydroxyl group.
During ionization process, it leads to the formation of two ions namely a positive ion called , whereas a negative ion called . Due to the formation of ions, which is nothing but a proton, the carboxyl group present in the amino acid act as an acid.
Every amino acid has an amino group, a carboxylic acid group, and a R group which varies from one amino acid to another amino acid. The R group can also be referred as side chain. There are 20 amino acids and they are the building blocks of proteins.
