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Biochemistry-Amino Acids, Peptides, and Proteins Flashcards

(5 cards)

1
Q

What are Amino Acids?

A

Molecules that contain two functional groups: an amino group (-NH2) and a carboxyl group (-COOH)

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2
Q

What are alpha-amino acids?

A

The amino groups and the carboxyl group are bonded to the same carbon, the alpha-carbon of the carboxylic acid. Think of the alpha-carbon as the central carbon of the amino acid.

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3
Q

In addition ot the carboxyl group, what else is attached to the alpha carbon?

A

A hydrogen atom, and a side chain, also called an R group, which is specific to each amino acid. The side chains determine the properties of amino acids, and therefore their functions.

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4
Q

The alpha-carbon is what type of center? Thus the amino-acids are _____?

A

A chiral center as it has four different groups attached to it. Thus most amino acids are optically active.

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5
Q

What is one exception to the amino acids being optically active?

A

Glycine, which has a hydrogen atom as it R group. Making it achiral

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