Question

An amino acid is so named because its central carbon is linked to both an amino group and a __________. hints

Answer 1

An amino acid's central α-carbon is bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a unique R group or side chain. This R group is what differentiates one amino acid from another and determines their individual characteristics.

Step-by-step explanation:

An amino acid is so named because its central carbon is linked to both an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH). The central carbon, also known as the alpha (α) carbon, is bonded to four different groups making the structure of an amino acid very specific. In addition to the amino and carboxyl groups, the α-carbon is bonded to a hydrogen atom and an R group or side chain, which is unique for each amino acid and determines its properties.

Amino acids are the building blocks, or monomers, that make up proteins. The R group varies among amino acids, changing the chemical properties and giving each amino acid its identity. This is the key to the diverse range of proteins that can be built from these molecular building blocks. Understanding the structure of amino acids is crucial for grasping how proteins are formed and function.

Answer 2

An amino acid is so named because its central carbon is linked to both an amino group and a carboxyl group. These groups are combined together to a single (aliphatic) carbon. The alpha position in organic chemistry the carbon directly attached to a carboxyl group, so that the amino acids in proteins are all alpha-amino acids.