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NEETChemistryBiomolecules

Why are most naturally occurring amino acids optically active?

Options

  1. ABecause they have an asymmetric α-carbon atom
  2. BBecause they have a symmetric α-carbon atom
  3. CBecause they have a chiral side chain
  4. DBecause they have a non-chiral side chain

Correct answer

A. Because they have an asymmetric α-carbon atom

Step-by-step solution

The most naturally occurring amino acids are optically active because they have an asymmetric α-carbon atom, which means it has four different substituents, making it chiral.

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