BIOMOLECULES AND ENZYMES

Detailed explanation-1: -An amino acid is an organic molecule that is made up of a basic amino group (−NH2), an acidic carboxyl group (−COOH), and an organic R group (or side chain) that is unique to each amino acid. The term amino acid is short for -amino [alpha-amino] carboxylic acid.

Detailed explanation-2: -The carbon, carboxyl, and amino groups are common to all amino acids, so the R-group is the only unique feature in each amino acid. (A minor exception to this structure is that of proline, in which the end of the R-group is attached to the -amine.)

Detailed explanation-3: -Every amino acid also has another atom or group of atoms bonded to the alpha carbon known alternately as the R group, the variable group or the side-chain. Amino acids have a central asymmetric carbon to which an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R group) are attached.

Detailed explanation-4: -The difference in the side-chain group or R-group is what determines the unique properties of each amino acid.