Assertion (A): All naturally occurring \(\alpha\)-amino acids except glycine are optically active.Reason (R): Most naturally occurring amino acids have L-configuration.
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The L-configuration of amino acids contributes to their optical activity, except for glycine, which is achiral.
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true and Reason (R) is the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are true, but Reason (R) is not the correct explanation of the Assertion (A).
Assertion (A) is true, but Reason (R) is false.
Assertion (A) is false, but Reason (R) is true.
Show Solution
The Correct Option isC
Solution and Explanation
Optical Activity of Amino Acids
Step 1: Optical Activity Fundamentals. All naturally occurring \(\alpha\)-amino acids, with the sole exception of glycine, exhibit optical activity. This is due to the presence of a chiral carbon atom in their structure. Glycine is achiral because its central carbon atom is bonded to two identical hydrogen atoms.
Step 2: L-Configuration Dominance. The majority of naturally occurring amino acids are found in the L-configuration. This configuration is the basis for their optical activity, again, excluding glycine.
Step 3: Interpretation. Consequently, both the Assertion (A) and the Reason (R) are valid statements. The Reason (R) provides a correct explanation for the Assertion (A), thereby validating option (A) as the correct choice.
