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Multiple Choice
Which of the following is not a component of an amino acid molecule?
A
Phosphate group
B
Amino group
C
Carboxyl group
D
R group (side chain)
Verified step by step guidance
1
Understand the basic 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 central carbon in an amino acid: These groups are 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 the role of each component: The amino group acts as a base, the carboxyl group acts as an acid, and the R group determines the properties and identity of the amino acid.
Consider the options given in the problem: Phosphate group, Amino group, Carboxyl group, and R group (side chain).
Determine which component is not part of the standard amino acid structure: Compare each option to the known components of an amino acid and identify that the phosphate group is not a standard component of an amino acid molecule.