Which of the Following Amino Acids Would Most Likely Be

Question

Which of the following amino acids would most likely be found on the surface of a protein?
A) Aspartic acid
B) Leucine
C) Proline
D) Valine
E) Phenylalanine

Accepted Answer

Aspartic acid has a negatively charged side chain, making it hydrophilic and more likely to be found on the surface of a protein where it can interact with water molecules. Leucine, Proline, Valine, and Phenylalanine have hydrophobic side chains and would therefore be more likely to be found buried in the interior of a protein away from water molecules.