Identify the common structural backbone of amino acids Flashcards
What are the three main components of the amino acid backbone?
The amino acid backbone consists of an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), and a central (alpha) carbon atom (Cα).
What is attached to the central (alpha) carbon in an amino acid?
The central (alpha) carbon in an amino acid is attached to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R-group (side chain).
What is the significance of the R-group in amino acids?
The R-group (side chain) is the variable part of the amino acid that determines its unique properties and function, while the backbone remains constant.
Which functional group in the amino acid backbone acts as an acid?
The carboxyl group (-COOH) in the amino acid backbone acts as an acid, releasing a proton (H⁺).
Which functional group in the amino acid backbone acts as a base?
The amino group (-NH₂) in the amino acid backbone acts as a base, accepting a proton (H⁺).
How does the amino acid backbone contribute to peptide bond formation?
During peptide bond formation, the carboxyl group of one amino acid reacts with the amino group of another, linking them together and forming a backbone chain.
What is the structural formula of the amino group in amino acids?
The structural formula of the amino group in amino acids is -NH₂.
What is the structural formula of the carboxyl group in amino acids?
The structural formula of the carboxyl group in amino acids is -COOH.
In the amino acid backbone, which atom does the R-group (side chain) attach to?
The R-group (side chain) attaches to the central (alpha) carbon atom (Cα) in the amino acid backbone.
What is the general structure of an amino acid?
The general structure of an amino acid is: NH₂-CH(R)-COOH, where NH₂ is the amino group, CH is the central carbon, R is the side chain, and COOH is the carboxyl group.
