Question

Why is Cysteine different from other amino acids?

Answer 1

Amino acids:

1. Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins.
2. The building blocks of life are amino acids and proteins.
3. Amino acids are left over after proteins are digested or broken down.

Cysteine:

1. The chemical formula of Cysteine is ${\mathrm{C}}_3{\mathrm{H}}_7{\mathrm{NO}}_2\mathrm{S}$.
2. Cysteine is distinguished from other amino acids by the presence of a highly reactive sulfhydryl group on its side chain.
3. Cysteine residues produce disulfide bridges that are known to be a permanent part of the protein's fundamental structure.

Hence, Cysteine is different from other amino acids.