Chapter 21, Problem 6A

Interpretation Introduction

Interpretation:

Non-polar and polar side of amino acid needs to be explained.

Concept introduction:

Proteins are consist of amino acids. Each amino acid has at least one amine and one acid functional group and R as a side chain group. The different properties result from variations in the structures of different R groups.

The presence of the alkyl group generated the non-polar property for amino acid, while the polar side chains are present in the form of a functional group.

Answer to Problem 6A

Non-polar side chains in alpha amino acid tend to be cluster together, whereas polar side chains are most often hydrophilic in an aqueous medium.

Explanation of Solution

The amino acid is represented as −

Where the R group act as a non-polar side and amine, carboxylic groups are polar in nature.

The non-polar group is hydrophobic in nature and the functional group shows the polar character.

Conclusion

The functional groups present in amino acids termed as polar groups and the side chains as alkyl groups are termed as non-polar groups.

The hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties of the amino acid represented by the different functional groups and side chains attached to the central carbon of amino acid.