Elementary plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology (2+1)

a) Amino acids with non-polar or hydrophobic, aliphatic R groups

Amino acids with non-polar or hydrophobic, aliphatic R groups

• This group of amino acids includes glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine and proline. The hydrocarbon R groups are non-polar and hydrophobic. The side chains of alanine, valine, leucine and isoleucine are important in promoting hydrophobic interactions within protein structures. The minimal steric hindrance of the glycine side chain (hydrogen) allows more flexibility than other amino acids. On the other hand, the imino group of proline is held in a rigid conformation and reduces the structural flexibility of the protein.