What are amino acids?

Amino acids are the monomers that form peptides and proteins. There are 20 different amino acids that contain an amino group (NH2), carboxyl group (COOH) and R-group. The general formula is: RCH(NH2)COOH.

These 3 groups are all bonded to the same carbon called the alpha-carbon. This carbon is also bonded to a hydrogen. The properties of an amino acid depend on its R-group.

ZC
Answered by Zoe C. Chemistry tutor

3489 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Predict the number of peaks in a carbon-13 NMR spectrum of the following carbonyl isomers of C5H8O. (i) CH3CH2CH2CH2CHO (ii) (CH3)3CCHO (iii) CH3COCH(CH3)2


Without calculation, predict (giving you reasoning) whether the entropy change for the following reaction will be significantly positive, significantly negative or approximately zero: MgO(s) + CO2 (g) --> MgCO3 (s)


Calculate the amount (in moles) of iron 3 nitrate in a 2.16g sample.


What is a dative covalent bond?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning