Final answer:
Amino acids can be polar or nonpolar based on the characteristics of their side chains. They can be separated using techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Amino acids can be classified based on the characteristics of their distinctive side chains as nonpolar, polar but uncharged, negatively charged, or positively charged. The amino acids found in proteins are L-amino acids.
Based on the nature of their side chains, amino acids can be polar or nonpolar. Polar amino acids have hydrophilic side chains that can form hydrogen bonds with water, while nonpolar amino acids have hydrophobic side chains that do not interact with water.
The separation of amino acids can be achieved through various techniques such as chromatography, electrophoresis, and spectrophotometry.