All of the individual amino acids that make up human proteins
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2002 - Paper 1
Question 8
All of the individual amino acids that make up human proteins
A. have an -NH₂ and a -CO₂H group attached to the same carbon atom.
B. can be made naturally in the h... show full transcript
Worked Solution & Example Answer:All of the individual amino acids that make up human proteins
A - VCE - SSCE Chemistry - Question 8 - 2002 - Paper 1
Step 1
A. have an -NH₂ and a -CO₂H group attached to the same carbon atom.
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Answer
This statement is true as all amino acids have both an amino group (-NH₂) and a carboxyl group (-CO₂H) attached to their central carbon atom, which is the defining characteristic of amino acids.
Step 2
B. can be made naturally in the human body.
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Answer
This statement is partially true. While some amino acids are non-essential and can be synthesized by the human body, others, known as essential amino acids, must be obtained from the diet.
Step 3
C. contain the peptide group.
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Answer
This statement is not true in the context of individual amino acids. A peptide group forms when two amino acids bond together, so while individual amino acids do not contain a peptide group by themselves, they can form one when linked.
Step 4
D. have an -NH₂ and an -OH group attached to the same carbon atom.
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Answer
This statement is false. While amino acids have an -NH₂ group, they do not have an -OH group attached to the same carbon atom. The -OH group is typically found in alcohols, not amino acids.