Final answer:
The alpha carbon is the central carbon in an amino acid and is bonded to the amino and carboxyl groups, as well as the R group. The beta carbon is bonded to the alpha carbon. These differences in bonding arrangements contribute to the differences in properties and functions of amino acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The alpha (a) carbon and the beta (b) carbon are both important structural components of amino acids. The alpha carbon is the central carbon atom in an amino acid, and it is bonded to the amino group, the carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and the R group. The R group is what differentiates one amino acid from another. On the other hand, the beta carbon is not directly connected to the amino or carboxyl group, but it is bonded to the alpha carbon. The difference in the bonding arrangements of these two carbons gives rise to differences in the properties and functions of amino acids.