Question:medium

Incorrect statement about \(\alpha\)-amino acids of proteins among the following is

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For a polypeptide chain, the number of peptide (amide) linkages is always one less than the number of amino acid residues. A dipeptide has one linkage, a tripeptide has two, a tetrapeptide has three, and so on. Number of linkages = n - 1, where n is the number of amino acids.
Updated On: Apr 28, 2026
  • Methionine is an essential amino acid
  • Glycine doesn't exhibit enantiomerism
  • Glycylalanylglutamine has three amide linkages
  • Zwitterion of valine exhibits amphoteric behaviour
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The Correct Option is C

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Analyze the structural characteristics, classification, and bonding properties (peptide bonds) of standard $\alpha$-amino acids and their polymers.
Step 2: Key Formula or Approach:
Examine the molecular structure for chirality, calculate the peptide bond count using the $(n-1)$ rule, and recall biological classifications (essential vs non-essential) and zwitterionic properties.
Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
(A) Methionine: It is one of the essential amino acids that the human body cannot synthesize and must be obtained through diet. (Correct statement)
(B) Glycine: It is the simplest amino acid. Its $\alpha$-carbon is attached to two identical hydrogen atoms ($H_{2}N-CH_{2}-COOH$). Lacking a chiral center, it is achiral and doesn't show enantiomerism. (Correct statement)
(C) Glycylalanylglutamine: The name indicates it is composed of three amino acid residues: Glycine, Alanine, and Glutamine. It is a tripeptide. A linear polymer of $n$ amino acids contains $(n - 1)$ peptide (amide) bonds. Therefore, a tripeptide contains exactly two peptide linkages, not three. (Incorrect statement)
(D) Zwitterion: In aqueous solution, $\alpha$-amino acids exist as dipolar ions called zwitterions ($H_{3}N^{+}-CHR-COO^{-}$). They can react with both acids (using the $-COO^-$ group) and bases (using the $-NH_3^+$ group), making them amphoteric. (Correct statement)
Step 4: Final Answer:
Statement (C) is the demonstrably incorrect one.
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