The Intrinsic Properties of the 20 Amino Acids Include All

Question

The intrinsic properties of the 20 amino acids include all EXCEPT:
A) α-Carbon is symmetric.
B) The capacity to polymerize.
C) Novel acid-base properties.
D) Varied structure and chemical functionality in side chains.
E) Chirality.

Accepted Answer

The α-Carbon in amino acids (except for glycine) is asymmetric, making them chiral molecules. This asymmetry allows for the existence of different enantiomers (D- and L- forms) of amino acids, which is a fundamental aspect of their structure and function in biological systems.