Identify a side chain $(R)$ group present in Leucine, an amino acid.
- $\mathrm{H}-$
- $-\mathrm{CH}_3$
- $\mathrm{Me}_2 \mathrm{CH}-$
- $\mathrm{Me}_2 \mathrm{CH}-\mathrm{CH}_2-$
Solution
The side chain (R group) of leucine is an isobutyl group with structural formula $\mathrm{Me}_2\mathrm{CH}-\mathrm{CH}_2-$.
Comparing the options:
A) $\mathrm{H}-$ (glycine)
B) $-\mathrm{CH}_3$ (alanine)
C) $\mathrm{Me}_2\mathrm{CH}-$ (valine)
D) $\mathrm{Me}_2\mathrm{CH}-\mathrm{CH}_2-$ (leucine)
The isobutyl group corresponds to option D.
Asked in: MHT CET 2025 (05 May Shift 2)