Question

Which part of an amino acid gives it its unique identity? Which parts do all amino acids share?

Answer 1

Answer:

The R chain gives an amino acid its unique identity

The hydrogen, carboxyl and amine groups are similar parts of all amino acids.

Explanation:

Amino acids are building blocks of protein molecules. They are 20 amino acids in nature, however, these amino acids are similar in structure but differ in the possession of different side chains, also called R chain.

- All amino acids have in their structure a hydrogen group (-H), an amino group (-NH2) and carboxyl group (-COOH). All these are attached to one carbon atom called the CENTRAL CARBON in the structure.

- A fourth group called "R chain" exists in the amino acid structure that differentiates all amino acids. This means that no two amino acids have the same R chain side group. For example, Alanine has a methyl group (-CH3) as its R side group while Glycine has hydrogen (-H) as its.