Which carbon atom of an amino acid is a stereoisomer in 19 out of 20 cases?
A)The carbon of the carboxylic acid
B)Any carbon on the organic group
C)The carbon between the carboxylic acid and the amine
D)None of the above

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The carbon atom between the carboxylic acid and the amine group in an amino acid is known as the alpha (α) carbon. It is a stereocenter in all amino acids except glycine, making it a stereoisomer in 19 out of the 20 standard amino acids.

Which Carbon Atom of an Amino Acid Is a Stereoisomer