A Side Chain on an Amino Acid is Sometimes Called

Question

A side chain on an amino acid is sometimes called
A) fibrous or globular.
B) a polypeptide chain.
C) an R group.
D) an isozyme.
E) nucleic acid.

Accepted Answer

The side chain on an amino acid is also called the R group, which distinguishes one amino acid from another. It can be a functional group containing various chemical properties such as hydrophobic, hydrophilic, acidic or basic, among others. Option A is incorrect as fibrous and globular refer to the overall shape of proteins. Option B is incorrect as a polypeptide chain is a long chain of amino acids bonded together by peptide bonds. Option D is incorrect as an isozyme refers to different forms of the same enzyme, and Option E is incorrect as nucleic acids are different types of molecules.