Exploring Amino Acids: Properties, Roles, and Types

1. Amino acids with nonpolar side chains:

The side chains of these amino acids are acidic and contribute to a positive charge in the protein structure.

These amino acids have polar side chains that bind or give off protons or participate in hydrogen and ionic bonds.

Nonpolar side chains of these amino acids have a high affinity for water molecules, leading to hydrophilic interactions.

Amino acids with nonpolar side chains exhibit characteristics that differ from those described in the incorrect answers. Understanding the properties of nonpolar side chains is essential in comprehending their role in hydrophobic interactions within proteins.

Explanation

Amino acids with nonpolar side chains exhibit characteristics that differ from those described in the incorrect answers. Understanding the properties of nonpolar side chains is essential in comprehending their role in hydrophobic interactions within proteins.

2. Which of the following best describes amino acids with uncharged polar side chains?

The side chains of amino acids with uncharged polar side chains cannot participate in hydrogen bond formation.

Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains have a net positive charge at neutral pH.

Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains are hydrophobic in nature.

Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains have zero net charge at neutral pH and are capable of participating in hydrogen bond formation through the polar groups present in their side chains.

Explanation

Amino acids with uncharged polar side chains have zero net charge at neutral pH and are capable of participating in hydrogen bond formation through the polar groups present in their side chains.

3. Which amino acids have acidic side chains?

Lysine and arginine have acidic side chains.

Tryptophan and tyrosine have acidic side chains.

Alanine and cysteine have acidic side chains.

Amino acids aspartic and glutamic acid are the only ones with acidic side chains due to the presence of negatively charged carboxylate groups at neutral pH.

Explanation

Amino acids aspartic and glutamic acid are the only ones with acidic side chains due to the presence of negatively charged carboxylate groups at neutral pH.

4. Amino acids with basic side chains:

The side chains of the basic amino acids donate protons.

Histidine is always negatively charged in proteins.

At physiologic pH, the side chains of lysine and arginine are negatively charged.

5. What are the primary functions of amino acids?

Amino acids are only found in animal-based foods.

Amino acids are primarily used for energy production in the body.

Amino acids are responsible for transporting oxygen in the bloodstream.

Amino acids are primarily known for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting brain function, rather than being used for energy production, oxygen transport, or being exclusive to animal-based foods.

Explanation

Amino acids are primarily known for building and repairing muscle tissue, as well as supporting brain function, rather than being used for energy production, oxygen transport, or being exclusive to animal-based foods.