Which functional groups are present in amino acids?

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and contain specific functional groups that are essential for their structure and function. The correct choice indicates the presence of both a carboxyl group (-COOH) and an amino group (-NH2).

The carboxyl group is characteristic of amino acids and contributes to their acidic properties, providing a source of hydrogen ions (H+) in solution. This group also plays a crucial role in peptide bond formation, which links amino acids together to form proteins.

The amino group, on the other hand, is responsible for the basic properties of amino acids. It contains a nitrogen atom bonded to two hydrogen atoms and is essential for forming the peptide bonds that link amino acids into polypeptides and proteins.

The presence of these two functional groups defines amino acids and enables them to participate in a variety of biochemical processes, including enzyme catalysis and metabolic pathways. Without either the -COOH or the -NH2 group, the structure and function of amino acids would be significantly altered, affecting their role in biological systems.