Structure and Formation of Amino Acids

Learning Objectives

• Understand the basic structure of an amino acid
• Explain how a dipeptide is formed
• Identify the four groups attached to the central carbon atom in an amino acid
• Comprehend the role of the R group in amino acids

Structure and Formation of Amino Acids

What do you already know about amino acids?

Structure of an Amino Acid

• Alpha amino acid: central carbon atom, hydrogen atom, amino group, carboxyl group, variable R group
• R group: side chain defining amino acid characteristics
• Amino acids join to form dipeptides

Formation of a Dipeptide

• Peptide bond formed between two amino acids
• Removal of water molecule
• Dipeptide: two amino acids joined by a peptide bond

The Four Groups in an Amino Acid

• Hydrogen atom
• Amino group
• Carboxyl group
• Variable R group

The Role of the R Group

• R group determines amino acid properties
• Chemical reactivity
• Characteristics of amino acids

Summary

• Alpha amino acid: central carbon, hydrogen atom, amino group, carboxyl group, R group
• Dipeptide formed by peptide bond and removal of water
• Hydrogen atom, amino group, carboxyl group, and R group are the four groups in an amino acid
• R group determines amino acid properties

Write down 3 things you learned in this lesson.

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Write down 2 things you want to know more about.

Here, students enter two things they would like to know more about. This not only increases involvement, but also gives them more ownership.

Ask 1 question about something you haven't quite understood yet.

The students indicate here (in question form) with which part of the material they still have difficulty. For the teacher, this not only provides insight into the extent to which the students understand/master the material, but also a good starting point for the next lesson.