Describe how the r group in each of the 20 differebt amino acids determines each amino acid's characteristics

The polarity and acid/base character of each R group is the main factor determining the characteristics of an amino acid.

There are four types of R groups:

•nonpolar, e.g., CH₃ in alanine

•polar, e.g., CH₂OH in serine

•acidic. e.g., CH₂COOH in aspartic acid

•basic, e.g., CH₂(CH₂)₃NH₂ in lysine

The R group determines whether an amino acid is acidic, basic, or neutral.

However, the nature of the R groups is the major factor that determines the 2° and 3° structures of polypeptides and proteins.

that tool would be a compass