Question

In examining several amino acids, you want to identify the feature or features that differentiate one amino acid from another. What part of the amino acid should you focus on?

Answer 1

On Plato the answer is

E.The Side Chains

Answer 2

Explanation

In examining several amino acids, the amino acid group will remain same the difference will be generated by the 'R' group attached to the chain.

'R' group can be :

• Single long chain of carbons with saturated carbon-carbon bond.
• Single long chain with unsaturated carbon-carbon bond Including aromatic carbon rings.
• Branched chain with saturated carbon-carbon bond
• Branched chain with unsaturated carbon-carbon bond.
• Presence of any other atoms like : sulfur, oxygen, phosphorus etc.

For example: alanine and methionine are different amino acids. since the amino acid part is same but the only difference in them is in alanine $CH_3$ group is present as a 'R' group whereas in methionine long unbranched carbon chain with sulfur atom is present as a'R' group.