Suppose you discovered a new amino acid. Its R-group contains only hydrogen and carbon atoms. Predict the behavior of this amino acid.
A) It is hydrophobic.
B) It is hydrophilic.
C) Relative to the amino acids found in organisms, its interactions with water will be intermediate.
D) Relative to the amino acids found in organisms, its interactions with water will be very high.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The R-group containing only hydrogen and carbon atoms indicates that the amino acid is nonpolar. Nonpolar amino acids are usually hydrophobic, meaning they tend to avoid water and prefer to interact with other nonpolar molecules or surfaces.

Suppose You Discovered a New Amino Acid