JEE Main · 2023 · Shift-IImediumBIO-077

The naturally occurring amino acid that contains only one basic functional group in its chemical structure is

Biomolecules · Class 12 · JEE Main Previous Year Question

Question

The naturally occurring amino acid that contains only one basic functional group in its chemical structure is

Options
  1. a

    arginine

  2. b

    lysine

  3. c

    asparagine

  4. d

    histidine

Correct Answerc

asparagine

Detailed Solution

Step 1: Assessing Functional Groups — Naturally occurring L-amino acids\text{L-amino acids} contain at least one amino and one carboxyl group at the α\alpha-position.

Step 2: Side Chain Analysis — Lysine, Arginine, and Histidine have additional basic groups in their side chains. Asparagine has an amide side chain which is not basic.

Step 3: Conclusion — In asparagine (H2NCOCH2CH(NH2)COOHH_2N-CO-CH_2-CH(NH_2)COOH), the α-amino\alpha\text{-amino} group is the only basic functional group. Correct option is (c).

Remember: Amides are very weak bases compared to amines.

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