Amino Acid Chemistry Quiz

What is the general structure of an amino acid?

• Central carbon atom bonded to an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a side chain (R group)

• Central carbon atom bonded to a nitrogen group, a sulfur group, and a side chain

• Central carbon atom bonded to a phosphate group, a hydroxyl group, and a side chain

• Central carbon atom bonded to two oxygen atoms and two hydrogen atoms

How many functional groups does an amino acid contain?

• Two

• None

• Three

• Four

What are the different types of amino acids based on their side chains?

• Sweet, Sour, Bitter, Salty

• Red, Blue, Green, Yellow

• Solid, Liquid, Gas, Plasma

• Nonpolar, Polar uncharged, Acidic, Basic

Explain the concept of zwitterions in amino acids.

• A form with only positive charges

• A dipolar form with both positive and negative charges

• A type of carbohydrate found in amino acids

• A form with only negative charges

What is the significance of the isoelectric point in zwitterions? (Have a guess)

• It is the pH at which a zwitterion has a net charge of -1.

• It is the pH at which a zwitterion has a net charge of zero.

• It has no significance in zwitterions.

• It is the pH at which a zwitterion has a net charge of +1.

How does the pH of the solution affect the formation of zwitterions?

• Zwitterions are not affected by the charge on the amino and carboxyl groups

• The pH of the solution determines the charge on the amino and carboxyl groups of the amino acid.

• The pH of the solution has no effect on the formation of zwitterions

• Zwitterions are only formed in extremely acidic solutions

What is meant by chirality in amino acids?

• Presence of a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups

• Absence of a central carbon atom bonded to four different groups

• Presence of a central carbon atom bonded to three different groups

• Presence of a central carbon atom bonded to two different groups

How many stereocenters does a standard amino acid have?

• 2

• 3

• 0

• 1