AP BIOLOGY

THE MOLECULAR BASIS OF INHERITANCE

STRUCTURE OF NUCLEIC ACIDS

Question [CLICK ON ANY CHOICE TO KNOW THE RIGHT ANSWER]
There are 20 different amino acids. What makes one amino acid different from another?
A
Different carboxyl groups attached to an alpha (
B
Different amino groups attached to an alpha (
C
Different side chains (R groups) attached to an alpha (
D
Different alpha (
Explanation: 

Detailed explanation-1: -Amino acids differ from each other with respect to their side chains, which are referred to as R groups. The R group for each of the amino acids will differ in structure, electrical charge, and polarity.

Detailed explanation-2: -Every amino acid comprises a hydrogen atom, a carboxyl group, an alpha-amino group and also the R-group (which makes the side chain). The side chain present in every amino acid is different. Therefore, the only primary factor that makes each amino acid different is the presence of R-group.

Detailed explanation-3: -Each of the 20 amino acids has a specific side chain, known as an R group, that is also attached to the carbon. The R groups have a variety of shapes, sizes, charges, and reactivities. This allows amino acids to be grouped according to the chemical properties of their side chains.

Detailed explanation-4: -Because amino acids can be arranged in many different combinations, it’s possible for your body to make thousands of different kinds of proteins from just the same 21 amino acids.

There is 1 question to complete.