Question

The unique properties of amino acid are determined by its particular:

• A. R group
• B. Amino group
• C. Kinds of peptide bonds
• D. Number of bonds to other amino acids

Answer 1

Answer: (A)

R group

Although each of the 20 amino acids is different, the basic structure follows a similar pattern.

They all contain a carbon atom in the middle surrounded by three functional groups. Two of these are the amino group (NH${}_2$) and the carboxyl group (COOH). The third group is the simple hydrogen atom.

The fourth group called R group differs in all 20 amino acids. Due to this any amino acid can be acidic, basic or neutral which also determines the unique properties of each amino acid.

So, the correct option is 'R group'