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Multiple Choice
Which of the following functional groups is present in all amino acids?
A
Phosphate group
B
Carboxyl group
C
Carbonyl group
D
Hydroxyl group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of amino acids: Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid has a central carbon atom, known as the alpha carbon, which is bonded to four different groups.
Identify the functional groups attached to the alpha carbon: The four groups attached to the alpha carbon in amino acids are an amino group (NH₂), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom (H), and a variable side chain (R group) that determines the identity of the amino acid.
Focus on the carboxyl group: The carboxyl group is a functional group characterized by a carbon atom double-bonded to an oxygen atom and single-bonded to a hydroxyl group (OH). It is represented as COOH.
Recognize the presence of the carboxyl group in all amino acids: The carboxyl group is a defining feature of amino acids, present in all of them, and is responsible for the acidic properties of these compounds.
Differentiate the carboxyl group from other options: Compare the carboxyl group with the other options provided (phosphate group, carbonyl group, hydroxyl group) to confirm that the carboxyl group is the correct answer, as it is present in all amino acids.