Table of contents

1. A Review of General Chemistry5h 5m
2. Molecular Representations1h 14m
3. Acids and Bases2h 46m
4. Alkanes and Cycloalkanes4h 17m
5. Chirality3h 39m
6. Thermodynamics and Kinetics1h 22m
7. Substitution Reactions1h 48m
8. Elimination Reactions2h 30m
9. Alkenes and Alkynes2h 9m
10. Addition Reactions3h 19m
11. Radical Reactions1h 58m
12. Alcohols, Ethers, Epoxides and Thiols2h 42m
13. Alcohols and Carbonyl Compounds2h 17m
14. Synthetic Techniques1h 26m
15. Analytical Techniques:IR, NMR, Mass Spect7h 3m
16. Conjugated Systems6h 13m
17. Ultraviolet Spectroscopy51m
18. Aromaticity2h 34m
19. Reactions of Aromatics: EAS and Beyond5h 1m
20. Phenols55m
21. Aldehydes and Ketones: Nucleophilic Addition4h 56m
22. Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: NAS2h 51m
23. The Chemistry of Thioesters, Phophate Ester and Phosphate Anhydrides1h 10m
24. Enolate Chemistry: Reactions at the Alpha-Carbon1h 53m
25. Condensation Chemistry2h 9m
26. Amines1h 43m
27. Heterocycles2h 0m
28. Carbohydrates5h 53m
29. Amino Acids4h 20m
30. Peptides and Proteins2h 42m
31. Catalysis in Organic Reactions1h 30m
32. Lipids 2h 50m
33. The Organic Chemistry of Metabolic Pathways2h 52m
34. Nucleic Acids1h 32m
35. Transition Metals6h 14m
36. Synthetic Polymers1h 49m

29. Amino Acids

Proteins and Amino Acids

Organic Chemistry

29. Amino Acids

Proteins and Amino Acids

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Multiple Choice

Why are proteins not considered to be a good candidate for the first living molecule?

Proteins are not involved in catalyzing reactions.

Proteins cannot replicate themselves.

Proteins are too small to perform complex functions.

Proteins are not composed of amino acids.

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Verified step by step guidance

Understand the role of proteins in biological systems: Proteins are essential macromolecules that perform a wide range of functions, including catalysis, structural support, and transport. However, they do not have the ability to replicate themselves, which is a crucial characteristic for the first living molecule.

Explore the concept of self-replication: For a molecule to be considered a candidate for the first living molecule, it must have the ability to replicate itself. This is a fundamental property of life, allowing for the transmission of genetic information and evolution.

Examine the structure of proteins: Proteins are composed of amino acids linked together by peptide bonds, forming complex three-dimensional structures. While they can perform complex functions, their inability to self-replicate limits their candidacy as the first living molecule.

Consider the role of nucleic acids: Unlike proteins, nucleic acids such as DNA and RNA have the ability to store genetic information and replicate themselves. This makes them more suitable candidates for the first living molecule.

Reflect on the evolutionary perspective: The first living molecules likely needed to possess both catalytic and self-replicating abilities. While proteins can catalyze reactions, they lack the self-replication ability, which is why nucleic acids are considered better candidates.