Which amino acid pair is known for containing amide groups?

Ace the MCAT Biological and Biochemical Foundations of Living Systems Exam. Prepare with flashcards, multiple choice questions, and detailed explanations. Boost your confidence and excel in your test!

The correct choice highlights Glutamine and Asparagine as the amino acid pair that contains amide groups within their structures.

Both Glutamine and Asparagine have a characteristic amide functional group, which is formed by the condensation of an amine and a carboxylic acid. Specifically, in these amino acids, the side chains contain a carboxamide structure.

In Glutamine, the side chain has an amide group attached to a carbon, contributing to its properties and functionality in biological systems, including protein synthesis and metabolic pathways. Asparagine features a similar amide group, albeit with one less methylene (-CH2-) in its side chain compared to Glutamine.

This property makes Glutamine and Asparagine significantly important in biological processes, especially in protein interactions and enzyme activities where amide bonds play a role in stabilizing structures and participating in hydrogen bonding.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Examzify

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy