Side chains of amino acids ________.
A) are all nonpolar
B) are nonpolar if they contain N or S
C) are all polar
D) may be polar or nonpolar

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Side chains (also known as R groups) of amino acids can vary greatly in their chemical properties, which can be polar, nonpolar, acidic, or basic. The side chains containing N or S can be polar, acidic, or basic, while those that lack N or S are either nonpolar or weakly polar. Therefore, option D is correct, as amino acid side chains may be polar or nonpolar depending on their chemical composition. Option A and C are incorrect as they state that side chains are either all nonpolar or all polar, which is not true. Option B is incorrect as it only mentions N or S containing side chains, whereas other polar side chains exist.

Side Chains of Amino Acids ________