[Zara]

Hello, 

I was wondering if anyone could help me with this question that i'm stuck on. I'm aware that a-a can be put into different groups according to their side-chains, i.e. weak acid, weak base etc. But is this what the question is asking of me, is it asking for the groups the side chains are put in, and secondly, are these groups chemically related?

I'm actually a biology student, but some chemistry is mandatory as part of the course, and i'm having a real hard time with it.
I'd really appreciate some help, thanks!




Explain why the 20 amino acids used to build proteins can be placed into groups that are chemically and/or physically related. Use illustrations of these amino-acids to assist in your answer.

[enahs]

Start here:
http://courses.cm.utexas.edu/jrobertus/ch339k/overheads-1/ch5-amino-acids.jpg
For a nice chart and one of the many common groupings.

This site has more detailed information.
http://www.biology.arizona.edu/biochemistry/problem_sets/aa/aa.html
On the left menu bar, click on the different chemical families for more information.
Read the main page too!