Textbook Question
Give the name and three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid described by each of the following:
a. the nonpolar amino acid with a sulfur atom in its side chain
Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696
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Table of contents
- Ch.4 Introduction to Organic Compounds75
- Ch.5 Chemical Reactions19
- Ch.6 Carbohydrates Life's Sweet Molecules62
- Ch.7 States of Matter and Their Attractive Forces8
- Ch.8 Solution Chemistry Sugar and Water Do Mix4
- Ch.10 Proteins Workers of the Cell89
- Ch.11 Nucleic Acids Big Molecules with a Big Role69
- Ch.12 Food as Fuel An Overview of Metabolism65
Frost4th EditionGeneral, Organic and Biological ChemistryISBN: 9780134988696Not the one you use?Change textbook
Chapter 6, Problem 57a
Give the name and three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid described by each of the following:
a. the polar amino acid with a benzene ring in its side chain
Verified step by step guidance1
Step 1: Understand the problem. The question asks for the name and three-letter abbreviation of an amino acid that is polar and has a benzene ring in its side chain.
Step 2: Recall the structure of amino acids. Amino acids have a central carbon atom (α-carbon) bonded to an amino group (-NH₂), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a unique side chain (R group). The side chain determines the properties of the amino acid.
Step 3: Identify the amino acid based on the description. A benzene ring in the side chain indicates the presence of an aromatic group. Among the 20 standard amino acids, tyrosine (Tyr) has a benzene ring in its side chain and is polar due to the hydroxyl (-OH) group attached to the benzene ring.
Step 4: Confirm the polarity. Tyrosine is classified as a polar amino acid because the hydroxyl group in its side chain can form hydrogen bonds, making it hydrophilic.
Step 5: Provide the answer. The name of the amino acid is Tyrosine, and its three-letter abbreviation is 'Tyr'.
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Key Concepts
Here are the essential concepts you must grasp in order to answer the question correctly.
Amino Acids
Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group) that determines its properties. There are 20 standard amino acids, each with unique characteristics that influence protein structure and function.
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Polar Amino Acids
Polar amino acids have side chains that can form hydrogen bonds with water, making them hydrophilic. These amino acids often play critical roles in protein interactions and stability, as they can interact with the aqueous environment of cells. Examples include serine, threonine, and tyrosine, the latter of which contains a benzene ring in its side chain.
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Tyrosine
Tyrosine is an amino acid characterized by its polar side chain that includes a phenolic benzene ring. Its three-letter abbreviation is 'Tyr.' Tyrosine is important for the synthesis of neurotransmitters and hormones, and it contributes to the structural properties of proteins due to its ability to participate in hydrogen bonding and other interactions.
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Related Practice
Textbook Question
Indicate whether each of the following describes a competitive or a noncompetitive inhibitor.
e. Adding more substrate to the reaction restores the enzyme activity.
Textbook Question
Give the name and three-letter abbreviation for the amino acid described by each of the following:
c. the polar amino acid with a sulfur atom in its side chain
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Textbook Question
Indicate whether each of the following describes a competitive or a noncompetitive inhibitor.
c. The inhibitor competes with the substrate for the active site.
Textbook Question
Draw the structure of the possible dipeptides formed from one alanine combining with one cysteine.
Textbook Question
Aspartame, which is commonly known as NutraSweet™, contains the following dipeptide:
d. Draw the structure of the isomer of this dipeptide where the C-terminal and N-terminal amino acids are switched.