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Multiple Choice
Which two amino acids differ from each other by only one atom in their side chains?
A
Valine and Leucine
B
Alanine and Glycine
C
Aspartic acid and Glutamic acid
D
Serine and Threonine
Verified step by step guidance
1
Identify the side chain (R group) structures of each amino acid mentioned in the problem.
Serine has a side chain with the structure CH2OH, while Threonine has a side chain with the structure CH(OH)CH3.
Compare the side chains of Serine and Threonine to determine the difference in their atomic composition.
Notice that the side chain of Threonine has one additional methyl group (CH3) compared to Serine.
Conclude that Serine and Threonine differ by only one atom in their side chains, specifically the presence of an additional carbon atom in Threonine's side chain.