Medium MCQ +4 / -1 PYQ · JEE Mains 2025

Identify the correct statement among the following :

  1. A All naturally occurring amino acids except glycine contain one chiral centre.
  2. B Amino acid, cysteine can easily undergo dimerisation due to the presence of free SH group. Correct answer
  3. C Glutamic acid is the only amino acid that contains a $-$COOH group at the side chain.
  4. D All naturally occurring amino acids are optically active.

Solution

<p>To clarify the statements regarding amino acids:</p> <p><p><strong>Chirality in Amino Acids</strong>: Most naturally occurring amino acids contain at least one chiral center, but there are exceptions. For example, <code>Isoleucine</code> has two chiral centers, and <code>Glycine</code> is an exception as it is optically inactive due to lacking a chiral center.</p></p> <p><p><strong>Cysteine and Dimerization</strong>: The amino acid <code>Cysteine</code> can easily undergo dimerization. This is due to its free sulfhydryl (SH) group, which can form disulfide bonds, leading to the formation of a dimer.</p></p> <p><p><strong>Carboxyl Groups in Amino Acids</strong>: <code>Glutamic acid</code> is not the only amino acid with a carboxyl group in its side chain. <code>Aspartic acid</code> also contains a carboxyl group in its side chain.</p></p> <p><p><strong>Optical Activity</strong>: While many naturally occurring amino acids are indeed optically active, <code>Glycine</code> is an exception as it does not possess a chiral center and is hence optically inactive. </p></p> <p>In summary:</p> <p><p>Not all naturally occurring amino acids are optically active (e.g., Glycine).</p></p> <p><p>Not all naturally occurring amino acids contain only one chiral center (e.g., Isoleucine has two).</p></p> <p><p>Both Glutamic acid and Aspartic acid contain side chain carboxyl groups.</p></p> <p><p>Cysteine can dimerize due to its SH group.</p></p>

About this question

Subject: Chemistry · Chapter: Biomolecules · Topic: Carbohydrates

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