Question Detail
Question
What determines the identity and function of an amino acid?
Correct Answer
Option C is the correct answer.
Detailed Explanation
All amino acids share a common core structure (an amino group, a carboxyl group, and a hydrogen atom attached to a central carbon). The R group (side chain) is the variable part that gives each amino acid its unique chemical properties (size, charge, polarity, etc.), determining its role in a protein.
Hint
The side chain is the unique part of each of the 20 amino acids.