Join thousands of students who trust us to help them ace their exams!Watch the first video
Multiple Choice
Which two functional groups are always found in amino acids? a) Carbonyl and amino groups. b) Carboxyl and amino groups. c) Amino and sulfhydryl groups. d) Hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.
A
Carbonyl and amino groups.
B
Carboxyl and amino groups.
C
Amino and sulfhydryl groups.
D
Hydroxyl and carboxyl groups.
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic structure of an amino acid, which consists of a central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonded to four different groups: an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group (side chain).
Identify the functional groups mentioned in the options: Carbonyl group (C=O), Carboxyl group (-COOH), Amino group (-NH2), Sulfhydryl group (-SH), and Hydroxyl group (-OH).
Recall that the amino group (-NH2) is a defining feature of amino acids, as it is part of the name 'amino acid'.
Recognize that the carboxyl group (-COOH) is also a defining feature of amino acids, as it contributes to the 'acid' part of the name 'amino acid'.
Conclude that the two functional groups always found in amino acids are the carboxyl group (-COOH) and the amino group (-NH2), which corresponds to option b).