One final concept before we break down the individual amino acids, and that is the 3-dimensional protein structure. More on zwitterion and amino acid charges in my next article (link to follow). Since the carboxyl group is acidic and the amino group basic, the two will exist as a zwitterion in their conjugated charged forms in physiological pH. While the fully-neutral version above is how most students study amino acids, and the form we’ll use in this article, keep in mind that this is technically incorrect. They range from a simple hydrogen atom (glycine) to a complex 2-ring resonating aromatic system (tryptophan). There are 20 different amino acids distinguished by their unique side chains. Finally we have the R group (red), which is a variable side chain. Attached to the central carbon you have a hydrogen atom (gray), an amino or NH2 group (green), and a carboxylic acid COOH group (purple). The amino acid has a central chiral carbon called the alpha carbon (black). The amino acid gets its name from its two primary functional groups. Repeat weekly until you feel SOLID with this information.Repeat the naming/drawing process once RIGHT AWAY.Verbalize something unique about this specific side chain- out loud! The more funny and crazy the connection, the easier you will remember it.

Write out the 3-letter and single letter abbreviations.

Draw the amino acid structure and variable group.

You need to actively tackle each amino acid individually.įor a quick reference list download my free Amino Acid Cheat Sheet Study Guide But don’t simply stick the words and structures onto flashcards hoping to force it into your memory. This includes the side chain, full name, 3-letter name and single letter abbreviation. The MCAT requires understanding the nature of polar and nonpolar side chains and the twisting and conformations caused by hydrophobic and hydrophilic interactionsĪnd yes, you should be memorizing each amino acid for the MCAT. The complexity of a protein structure is determined by its sequence of amino acids and the chemical nature of their variable group side chains. But then you have your workers, transportation system and the very structure of the cell city, which are all made of proteins- which in turn are made of amino acids. I like to think of the cell as a self contained city where the nucleus is the capital, the mitochondria is the power plant and so on. Long chains of amino acids make up proteins, which in turn make up many structural and functional cell components. Amino acids are the building blocks of living things.

Nonpolar hydrophobic amino acids