representing L-alanine and two representing D-alanine. Which pair represents L-alanine?

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**Title: Identifying L-alanine Structures from Molecular Diagrams**

**Question:**
Given four molecular structures, two represent L-alanine and two represent D-alanine. Which pair represents L-alanine?

**Molecular Structures:**

- **Diagram A:**
  - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to four groups:
    - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`)
    - An amino group (`+H₃N`)
    - A hydrogen atom (H)
    - A methyl group (`CH₃`)

- **Diagram B:**
  - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to the same four groups as Diagram A but in a different spatial arrangement:
    - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`)
    - An amino group (`+H₃N`)
    - A methyl group (`CH₃`)
    - A hydrogen atom (H)

- **Diagram C:**
  - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to:
    - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`)
    - A protonated amino group (`NH₃⁺`)
    - A hydrogen atom (H)
    - A methyl group (`CH₃`)

- **Diagram D:**
  - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to:
    - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`)
    - A protonated amino group (`NH₃⁺`)
    - A methyl group (`CH₃`)
    - A hydrogen atom (H)

**Answer Options:**
A) A and B  
B) C and D  
C) A and C  
D) B and D

**Explanation:**
To determine which molecular structures represent L-alanine, consider the spatial arrangement of the functional groups around the chiral center (the central carbon atom).

**Correct Answer:**
The correct pair representing L-alanine is **C) A and C**. 

L-alanine has a specific configuration with the amino group on the left when drawn in a Fischer projection.
Transcribed Image Text:**Title: Identifying L-alanine Structures from Molecular Diagrams** **Question:** Given four molecular structures, two represent L-alanine and two represent D-alanine. Which pair represents L-alanine? **Molecular Structures:** - **Diagram A:** - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to four groups: - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`) - An amino group (`+H₃N`) - A hydrogen atom (H) - A methyl group (`CH₃`) - **Diagram B:** - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to the same four groups as Diagram A but in a different spatial arrangement: - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`) - An amino group (`+H₃N`) - A methyl group (`CH₃`) - A hydrogen atom (H) - **Diagram C:** - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to: - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`) - A protonated amino group (`NH₃⁺`) - A hydrogen atom (H) - A methyl group (`CH₃`) - **Diagram D:** - A central carbon atom (C) is connected to: - A carboxylate group (`COO⁻`) - A protonated amino group (`NH₃⁺`) - A methyl group (`CH₃`) - A hydrogen atom (H) **Answer Options:** A) A and B B) C and D C) A and C D) B and D **Explanation:** To determine which molecular structures represent L-alanine, consider the spatial arrangement of the functional groups around the chiral center (the central carbon atom). **Correct Answer:** The correct pair representing L-alanine is **C) A and C**. L-alanine has a specific configuration with the amino group on the left when drawn in a Fischer projection.
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