* Amino acids vary in size and composition. Each amino acid has a different side chain (R group), which contributes to its molecular weight.
* Daltons are a unit of mass. They represent the atomic mass unit, approximately equal to the mass of a proton or neutron.
To determine the Daltons (or molecular weight) of a specific amino acid, you need to consider:
1. The central carbon atom: All amino acids have a central carbon atom. This has a mass of approximately 12 Daltons.
2. The amino group (NH2): This group has a mass of approximately 14 Daltons.
3. The carboxyl group (COOH): This group has a mass of approximately 45 Daltons.
4. The hydrogen atom: This group has a mass of approximately 1 Dalton.
5. The side chain (R group): The R group is what differentiates one amino acid from another. Its mass varies significantly.
Example: Glycine
* Central Carbon: 12 Daltons
* Amino Group: 14 Daltons
* Carboxyl Group: 45 Daltons
* Hydrogen: 1 Dalton
* Side Chain (Hydrogen): 1 Dalton
Total for Glycine: 12 + 14 + 45 + 1 + 1 = 73 Daltons
To find the Dalton count for any other amino acid, you would need to look up the mass of its specific R group and add it to the other components.
