NEETChemistryBiomolecules
All -amino acids have a general formula R - CH ( NH ₂)- COOH (except proline). If the side chain R is - CH ₂- COOH , identify the correct name and the nature of the amino acid.
Options
- AGlutamic acid, Acidic
- BAsparagine, Neutral
- CAspartic acid, Neutral
- DAspartic acid, Acidic
Correct answer
D. Aspartic acid, Acidic
Step-by-step solution
The given side chain is R = - CH ₂- COOH . Substituting this into the general formula R - CH ( NH ₂)- COOH gives the structure of Aspartic acid. Because the molecule contains two carboxyl ( - COOH ) groups and only one amino ( - NH ₂ ) group, it has more acidic groups than basic groups. Therefore, it is classified as an acidic amino acid. Glutamic acid has the side chain - CH ₂- CH ₂- COOH . Asparagine has the side chain - CH ₂- CONH ₂ and is neutral. Answer: Aspartic acid, Acidic