The Amino and Carboxyl Groups of Amino Acids are Bonded

Question

The amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids are bonded to which carbon?
A) Both are bonded to the α-carbon.
B) Both are bonded to the β-carbon.
C) The amino is bonded to the α-carbon, and the carboxyl is bonded to the β-carbon.
D) The amino is bonded to the β-carbon, and the carboxyl is bonded to the α-carbon.

Accepted Answer

Both the amino and carboxyl groups of amino acids are bonded to the α-carbon. This is why amino acids are also called α-amino acids.