Question

Which of the following is not attached to the central carbon atom in an amino acidA. A carboxyl functional groupB. An amino functional groupC. An oxygenD. A side chain ("R group")

Answer 1

Answer:

The correct answer is C. An oxygen

Explanation:

Amino acid is a compound which serves as the building block or proteins. They are the smallest and simplest unit of protein. They contain carbon, oxygen, hydrogen, and oxygen.  

Each amino acid has a central carbon atom which is designated as alpha carbon which is attached with a carbonyl functional group, an amino-functional group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain(R group). So oxygen is not bound directly with the central carbon atom.

The R group is different in different amino acid. Glycine is the simplest amino acid and it has H in place of the R group.