Question

An amino acid, such as glycine, that is found in the interior of a molecule after the polypeptide folds to a three-dimensional shape, will MOST LIKELY have what defining characteristic?

a. unpaired electrons on the terminal R groups
b. one or more terminal oxygen atoms
c. one or more terminal nitrogen atoms
d. an arrangement of hydrocarbons

Answer 1

The correct answer is option d. "an arrangement of hydrocarbons".

Step-by-step explanation:

Glycine is the simplest amino acid in terms of structure, as it has a single hydrogen atom in its side chain. A glycine found in the interior of a molecule after the polypeptide folds most likely will have the defining characteristic of being an arrangement of hydrocarbons. The interior of a polypeptide is defined by its hydrophobic nature, a non polar amino acid as glycine would contribute to the hydrophobicity by behaving as an arrangement of hydrocarbons.