Draw the structure for the amino acid represented by each of the following abbreviations:


c. Val

Verified step by step guidance

1. Identify the full name of the amino acid represented by the abbreviation 'Val'.
2. Recognize that 'Val' stands for Valine, which is one of the 20 standard amino acids.
3. Recall the general structure of an amino acid, which includes an amino group (-NH2), a carboxyl group (-COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group) attached to a central carbon atom (alpha carbon).
4. Determine the specific side chain (R group) for Valine, which is an isopropyl group, represented as -CH(CH3)2.
5. Draw the structure of Valine by placing the amino group, carboxyl group, hydrogen atom, and the isopropyl side chain around the central alpha carbon.

Key Concepts

Amino Acids

Amino acids are organic compounds that serve as the building blocks of proteins. Each amino acid consists of a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain (R group) that determines the specific properties of the amino acid. Understanding the structure of amino acids is essential for grasping how they combine to form proteins.

Valine

Valine is one of the 20 standard amino acids and is classified as a branched-chain amino acid (BCAA). Its side chain is isopropyl, which gives it hydrophobic properties, making it important for protein structure and function. Valine plays a crucial role in muscle metabolism and is essential for tissue repair and energy production.

Amino Acid Structure Drawing

Drawing the structure of an amino acid involves representing its core components: the central carbon, the amino group (–NH2), the carboxyl group (–COOH), and the side chain (R group). For valine, the side chain is specifically depicted as a branched structure. Accurate representation is vital for understanding the chemical properties and interactions of the amino acid in biological systems.