Amino Acids And Proteins

Question 1

What is the general structure of an amino acid

Answer 1

A carboxyl group (-COO-) and an amino group (-NH3+) are covalently bound to a central carbon atom (alpha carbon). Also, there is a side chain (R group) which differs between amino acids.

All but glycine contain aloha bound to four different groups

Question 2

What is an amino acid and roughly how many are commonly found in proteins

Answer 2

Building blocks for the formation of proteins and there are 20 commonly found in proteins