Nutrition For PN Nursing ATI Related

Review Nutrition For PN Nursing ATI related questions and content

What is the chemical structure that forms the base component of an amino acid?

  • A. carboxyl group
  • B. carbon chain
  • C. radicals
  • D. amino group
Correct Answer: D

Rationale: The correct answer is the amino group. Amino acids consist of an amino group (NH2), a carboxyl group (COOH), a hydrogen atom, and a variable side chain attached to a central carbon atom. The amino group is essential for the formation of proteins. The carboxyl group is not the base component but another important functional group in amino acids. Carbon chain and radicals are not specific chemical structures that form the base component of an amino acid.