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

3024 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

State and explain the general trend in the first ionisation energies of the Period 2 elements Lithium to Fluorine.


Why is a water molecule non-linear?


PharmaPlus, a drug developer, is required by law to carry out clinical trials on the novel drug ‘AccuPreasure’. AccuPreasure is to be marketed for control of high blood pressure. Give three questions that clinical trials are designed to answer.


What are the shape of p orbitals?


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:

© 2025 by IXL Learning