1. The trivial name for glycine is "glycine" itself. It signifies simplicity, as glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, with a hydrogen atom as its side chain. Tyrosine's trivial name reflects its aromatic nature and is derived from "tyros," meaning cheese in Greek. It indicates its discoveryRead more

    The trivial name for glycine is “glycine” itself. It signifies simplicity, as glycine is the smallest and simplest amino acid, with a hydrogen atom as its side chain. Tyrosine’s trivial name reflects its aromatic nature and is derived from “tyros,” meaning cheese in Greek. It indicates its discovery in casein, a milk protein. Tyrosine has a phenolic side chain, contributing to its aromaticity. The trivial names of these amino acids capture their structural characteristics or sources, providing insight into their properties and origins in the context of organic chemistry and biochemistry.

    See less
    • 5
  2. Amino acids are commonly represented by their structural formula, 3-letter symbol, and 1-letter symbol. For example, glycine, with a simple hydrogen side chain, has the structural formula H₂N-CH₂-COOH. Its 3-letter symbol is "Gly," and the 1-letter symbol is "G." Tyrosine, with an aromatic phenolicRead more

    Amino acids are commonly represented by their structural formula, 3-letter symbol, and 1-letter symbol. For example, glycine, with a simple hydrogen side chain, has the structural formula H₂N-CH₂-COOH. Its 3-letter symbol is “Gly,” and the 1-letter symbol is “G.” Tyrosine, with an aromatic phenolic side chain, is represented as HO₂C-CH(NH₂)-C₆H₄-OH. Its 3-letter symbol is “Tyr,” and the 1-letter symbol is “Y.” Leucine, with a hydrophobic isobutyl side chain, is represented as H₂N-CH(CH₃)-CH₂-CH(CH₃)-COOH. Its 3-letter symbol is “Leu,” and the 1-letter symbol is “L.” These representations convey both structure and nomenclature of amino acids.

    See less
    • 5
  3. Amino acids are classified as acidic, basic, or neutral based on their side chain properties. Those with acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid) can donate protons and are considered acidic. Amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine) can accept protons and are classiRead more

    Amino acids are classified as acidic, basic, or neutral based on their side chain properties. Those with acidic side chains (e.g., aspartic acid, glutamic acid) can donate protons and are considered acidic. Amino acids with basic side chains (e.g., lysine, arginine) can accept protons and are classified as basic. Amino acids with non-ionizable side chains (e.g., glycine, alanine) are considered neutral. The classification depends on the functional groups within the side chains and their ability to donate, accept, or remain non-reactive to protons, influencing the overall charge of the amino acid at physiological pH and their role in biochemical reactions.

    See less
    • 5
  4. Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body, while essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet. The body can produce non-essential amino acids via metabolic pathways. Essential amino acids, crucial for protein synthesis and various physiological functions, must be acquired fRead more

    Non-essential amino acids can be synthesized by the body, while essential amino acids must be obtained through the diet. The body can produce non-essential amino acids via metabolic pathways. Essential amino acids, crucial for protein synthesis and various physiological functions, must be acquired from dietary sources since the body lacks the necessary biosynthetic pathways. The determination is based on the body’s ability (or inability) to synthesize specific amino acids, making essential amino acids dietary prerequisites for optimal health, growth, and maintenance of bodily functions.

    See less
    • 5
  5. Amino acids exhibit amphoteric behavior in aqueous solution as they can act as both acids (donating a proton from the carboxyl group) and bases (accepting a proton by the amino group). This dual nature enables them to undergo zwitterion formation, with a positively charged amino group and a negativeRead more

    Amino acids exhibit amphoteric behavior in aqueous solution as they can act as both acids (donating a proton from the carboxyl group) and bases (accepting a proton by the amino group). This dual nature enables them to undergo zwitterion formation, with a positively charged amino group and a negatively charged carboxyl group in equilibrium. Regarding optical activity, naturally occurring α-amino acids are optically active due to their chiral nature. They possess a central carbon (α-carbon) bonded to four different substituents, creating a mirror-image isomerism. This asymmetry results in enantiomers, and the presence of chiral centers makes α-amino acids optically active.

    See less
    • 5