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

3236 Views

See similar Chemistry A Level tutors

Related Chemistry A Level answers

All answers ▸

Describe a simple way to distinguish between aqueous solutions of potassium nitrate (KNO3) and potassium sulfate (K2SO4) using one test tube reaction


Explain why Magnesium has a greater second ionisation energy than strontium


Discuss the 2 most-commonly encountered representations of benzene, providing an advantage and disadvantage for each


Why is phenylamine a weaker organic base than ethylamine?


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