Which of the following statements is TRUE regarding a basic amino acid?
A)The hydrophilic R group of a basic amino acid will be located in the interior of a protein.
B)The positively charged R group of a basic amino acid could bind DNA.
C)The R group of a basic amino acid would only be able to form covalent bonds with other molecules.
D)A basic amino acid would be considered both polar and hydrophobic.
E)All of these choices are correct.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The positively charged R group of a basic amino acid (such as lysine or arginine) has the potential to form electrostatic interactions with the negatively charged phosphate backbone of DNA, allowing for binding. The hydrophilic R group of a basic amino acid would generally be located on the surface of a protein and basic amino acids are hydrophilic and polar, not hydrophobic. Additionally, while R groups can participate in chemical reactions with other molecules, they do so through non-covalent interactions, such as hydrogen bonding or electrostatic interactions. Therefore, only option B is true regarding a basic amino acid.

Which of the Following Statements Is TRUE Regarding a Basic