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Multiple Choice
Which of the following functional groups is present in all amino acids?
A
Carboxyl group
B
Ketone group
C
Aldehyde group
D
Ether group
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the structure of an amino acid: Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have a general structure consisting of a central carbon atom (alpha carbon) bonded to four different groups.
Identify the four groups attached to the alpha carbon in an amino acid: These groups are an amino group (\(\text{NH}_2\)), a carboxyl group (\(\text{COOH}\)), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group) that determines the identity of the amino acid.
Recognize the functional groups listed in the problem: The options given are carboxyl group, ketone group, aldehyde group, and ether group.
Determine which functional group is common to all amino acids: Since all amino acids have a carboxyl group (\(\text{COOH}\)) as part of their structure, this is the functional group present in all amino acids.
Conclude that the carboxyl group is the correct answer: The carboxyl group is a defining feature of amino acids, distinguishing them from other organic compounds that may contain ketone, aldehyde, or ether groups.