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Multiple Choice
Which of the following functional groups is not typically found in amino acids?
A
Hydroxyl group
B
Carboxyl group
C
Amino group
D
R group (side chain)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of a typical amino acid, which includes a central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonded to four different groups: an amino group (\(\text{-NH}_2\)), a carboxyl group (\(\text{-COOH}\)), a hydrogen atom, and an R group (side chain) that varies among different amino acids.
Recognize that the amino group (\(\text{-NH}_2\)) is a fundamental component of amino acids, providing the basic characteristic of these molecules.
Identify the carboxyl group (\(\text{-COOH}\)) as another essential part of amino acids, contributing to their acidic nature.
Acknowledge the R group (side chain) as a variable component that defines the identity and properties of each amino acid, making it a crucial part of their structure.
Note that the hydroxyl group (\(\text{-OH}\)) is not a standard component of all amino acids, although it can be present in the side chains of specific amino acids like serine and threonine, but it is not a defining feature of amino acids in general.