Identify the amino acids given below and select the correct option:
Show Hint
Remember these common amino acid side chains:
Glycine → $R = H$ (simplest amino acid)
Alanine → $R = CH_3$
Serine → $R = CH_2OH$
Glycine is the only amino acid that is achiral.
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Amino acids are organic compounds containing an amino group ($-NH_2$), an acidic group ($-COOH$), and a specific side chain (R group) attached to the $\alpha$-carbon. The identity of the amino acid is determined by the R group.
Step 2: Analyzing the Structures:
The general formula for an amino acid is $R-CH(NH_2)-COOH$. We need to identify the R group for each structure:
Structure A: The R group is a methyl group ($-CH_3$). This corresponds to Alanine.
Structure B: The R group is a hydrogen atom ($-H$). This corresponds to Glycine (the simplest amino acid).
Structure C: The R group is a hydroxymethyl group ($-CH_2-OH$). This corresponds to Serine.
Step 3: Matching with Options:
The sequence is A = Alanine, B = Glycine, C = Serine. This matches Option (C).
Step 4: Final Answer:
Therefore, the correct option is (C).
