Memorizing amino acids

[shefv]

Does anyone know of a good way to memorize the amino acid structures?

I have been focusing on looking at the R groups but still having difficulty. I know the general list of the amino acids and which ones are acidic, basic, it's the structures that I am having difficulty in memorizing. Any tips would be helpful, thanks!

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[NextStepTutor_1]

 

[azor ahai]

1. If the R group contains any of the following, it is polar:
   • amines - also means it is basic: ie. histidine, lysine, arginine
   • amides - means it's an acid derivative: ie. asparagine, glutamine ; also means it is acidic if you replace the amide with a COOH: ie. aspartic acid, glutamic acid
   • alcohols - ie. serine, threonine ; includes thiols: ie. cysteine
2. If the R group contains an aromatic group it can be:
   • phenylalanine = alanine + phenyl ring
   • tyrosine = phenylalanine + para-hydroxyl
   • tryptophan = alanine + indole ring (=benzine ring + N-containing pyrrole ring)
3. The rest are hydrophobic, they can be:
   • valine - isopropyl group
   • leucine - ethyl isopropyl group
   • isoleucine - alkyl shift of leucine
   • methionine - contains sulfur
   • proline - annoying ring involved in kinks
4. Also don't forget (doubt you will) the small ones:
   • glycine - H
   • alanine - methyl