Chapter 23, Problem 9RQ

How do various amino acids differ from one another?

To determine

The difference in the various amino acids.

Answer to Problem 9RQ

The variation in the nature of side chain in the structure of amino acids makes all the amino acids different.

Explanation of Solution

The carboxylic acids having an amino group $\left(-{\text{NH}}_2\right)$ are termed as amino acids. The naturally occurring prevalent amino acids are $\alpha \text{-}$ amino acids. These are the carboxylic acids where amino functional group is present at $\alpha \text{-}$ carbon atom.

The general structure of amino acid has an amino $\left(-{\text{NH}}_2\right)$ group, carboxylic $\left(-\text{COOH}\right)$ group and a hydrogen atom attached to carbon atom along with a side chain. All the amino acids are different from one another by having different side chains.

Thus, the variation in the nature of side chain imparts characteristic properties to amino acids.

Conclusion:

The various amino acids are different from one another by the presence of unique side chain of variable carbon atoms. This side chain makes all the amino acids different.