These amino acids may appear out of place in an aqueous biological environment, but they are in fact critical to completing the amino acid picture. Hydrophobic Non-Polar Neutral Amino Acids This tutorial breaks down the side chain groups to help you understand their individual classifications. You need to UNDERSTAND how each specific R-group contributes to that groups chemistry and participation in 3-dimension structures and reactions. It's not enough to memorize names and structures. Tutorial: Understanding Amino Acid Side-Chain Characteristics This video will help you set the stage for the entire series. What is so special about this biomolecule? What is the logic behind ‘alpha carbonyl' and why are there polar and non-polar, acidic and basic side chains. Side chain structure and characteristicsīut first… Let's start with the basics Video 1 – Introduction to Amino Acidsīefore you dive in to memorize side chain characteristics, ask yourself WHY?.Amino Acids Cheat Sheet Amino Acid Structuresĭespite what your book may claim, you MUST MEMORIZE YOUR AMINO ACIDS! Students who've taken the new MCAT confirm that you must know the following for each amino acid: MCAT Amino Acid Practice Quiz linked below. This tutorial series will walk you through the different aspects of amino acids as required for the MCAT. Amino Acids are the building blocks of living things playing key roles in cellular structure, function, and so much more. Amino acids are critical for the MCAT as well as your biology and biochemistry courses.

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