Question

28. What two functional groups are present on every amino acid?

A. A carbonyl (C=O) group and a carboxyl group
B. An N-H group and a carboxyl group
C. An amino group and a hydroxyl group
D. An amino group and a carboxyl group

Answer 1

Every amino acid contains an amino group and a carboxyl group attached to the alpha carbon. These functional groups are what distinguish amino acids.

Step-by-step explanation:

Every amino acid contains an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-COOH) attached to the alpha (α) carbon. These two functional groups are what distinguish amino acids and are present in all of them. The side chain or R group, which varies from one amino acid to another, is also attached to the alpha carbon.