Amino acids: structure and peptide bond formation

• What role does the R group play in amino acids?

  It gives each amino acid unique properties
• What is the central atom in an amino acid?

  Carbon
• What is the formula for the amino group in an amino acid?

  NH₂-
• What is the formula for the carboxyl group in an amino acid?

  -COOH
• What characterizes special case amino acids?

  Unique structures or functions
• How does the R group affect amino acids?

  • Determines unique properties of each amino acid
  • Influences chemical behavior and interactions
• How many amino acids are there?

  20
• What is the purpose of the peptide bond formation process?

  To link amino acids together to form a polypeptide chain
• How are amino acids grouped based on their R groups?

  • Charged: Positive (basic) or negative (acidic)
  • Polar: Contain OH, NH, or SH groups
  • Hydrophobic: Non-polar, carbon-based side chains
  • Special Cases: Unique structures or functions
• What are the key steps in the peptide bond formation process?

  1. Amino group (NH2) of one amino acid reacts with the carboxyl group (COOH) of another amino acid
  2. A covalent peptide bond is formed, releasing a water molecule (H2O)
  3. The resulting polypeptide chain has a free amino group at one end and a free carboxyl group at the other end
• What groups are involved in forming a peptide bond?

  Amino group and carboxyl group
• What do polypeptides eventually fold to form?

  Proteins
• What are the four components bonded to the central carbon in an amino acid?

  • Amino group (NH₂-)
  • Carboxyl group (-COOH)
  • Hydrogen atom (H)
  • R group (variable side chain)
• What additional atom is bonded to the central carbon in an amino acid?

  Hydrogen
• What is released during the formation of a peptide bond?

  A water molecule (H₂O)