There are 20 primary amino acids that make up all proteins. But why those 20? Why Leucine? Arginine? Glutamine? Tryptophan? Why not a side chain with just two carbons, or three or four in a straight chain? Why not one with two hydroxyl groups? Or other shapes? Or containing other elements? What factors do you think might be involved?

Biology (MindTap Course List)
11th Edition
ISBN:9781337392938
Author:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Publisher:Eldra Solomon, Charles Martin, Diana W. Martin, Linda R. Berg
Chapter3: The Chemistry Of Life: Organic Compounds
Section3.4: Proteins
Problem 8LO
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There are 20 primary amino acids that make up all proteins. But why those 20? Why Leucine? Arginine? Glutamine? Tryptophan? Why not a side chain with just two carbons, or three or four in a straight chain? Why not one with two hydroxyl groups? Or other shapes? Or containing other elements? What factors do you think might be involved?

 

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