JEE MainChemistryBiomolecules
Which of the following amino acids contains a hydroxyl group in its side chain and possesses exactly two chiral carbon atoms?
Options
- ASerine
- BIsoleucine
- CTyrosine
- DThreonine
Correct answer
D. Threonine
Step-by-step solution
Let us analyze the structure of each given amino acid: Serine: HO-CH ₂ -CH(NH ₂ )-COOH . It has a primary hydroxyl group but only one chiral center (the -carbon). Isoleucine: CH ₃ -CH ₂ -CH(CH ₃ )-CH(NH ₂ )-COOH . It has two chiral centers (the and carbons) but lacks a hydroxyl group. Tyrosine: HO-C ₆ H ₄ -CH ₂ -CH(NH ₂ )-COOH . It has a phenolic hydroxyl group but only one chiral center (the -carbon). Threonine: CH ₃ -CH(OH)-CH(NH ₂ )-COOH . It contains a secondary hydroxyl group and has exactly two chiral centers