R group
R group
R group (pronunciation: /ɑːr gruːp/), also known as side chain, is a term used in biochemistry to refer to the variable part of an amino acid molecule. The term "R" originates from the German word "Rest", meaning "residue" or "remainder".
Etymology
The term "R group" is derived from the German word "Rest", which translates to "residue" or "remainder" in English. This term is used to denote the variable component of an amino acid that differentiates one amino acid from another.
Definition
In the context of biochemistry, an R group is the chemical group attached to the alpha carbon in an amino acid. This group varies among different amino acids, and it is this variation that gives each amino acid its unique properties. The R group can be as simple as a hydrogen atom, as in the amino acid glycine, or as complex as a benzene ring, as in the amino acid phenylalanine.
Related Terms
- Amino Acid: Amino acids are organic compounds composed of amine (-NH2) and carboxyl (-COOH) functional groups, along with a side chain (R group) specific to each amino acid.
- Alpha Carbon: The alpha carbon in organic molecules refers to the first carbon atom that attaches to a functional group, such as a carboxyl group in an amino acid.
- Glycine: Glycine is the simplest of the 20 amino acids commonly found in proteins. Its R group is a hydrogen atom.
- Phenylalanine: Phenylalanine is an essential amino acid with the formula C9H11NO2. Its R group is a benzene ring.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on R group
- Wikipedia's article - R group
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