BCH101intermediate
The amino acid that contains sulfur in its side chain and is often categorized as nonpolar is __________.
Answer
methionine
Explanation
### Why this is right
Methionine contains sulfur in a thioether group in its side chain and is generally classified as nonpolar. Cysteine also contains sulfur, but its thiol group gives it different chemical reactivity.
### The concept
Side-chain composition helps identify amino acids. Sulfur-containing side chains are especially relevant because cysteine can form disulfide bonds that stabilize protein structure, whereas methionine commonly contributes a hydrophobic side chain.
### Terms
- **Thioether**: a sulfur atom bonded to two carbon-containing groups.
- **Thiol**: a sulfur-containing group written –SH.
### Remember
Methionine and cysteine contain sulfur, but their sulfur groups behave differently.
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