Description of Alanine

Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins and have specific structures that determine their properties and functions. Each amino acid contains a central carbon atom, an amino group, a carboxyl group, a hydrogen atom, and a variable R group that defines the identity and characteristics of the amino acid. There are 20 standard amino acids, and they can be categorized into various groups including nonpolar, polar, acidic, and basic based on their side chains.

One of the amino acids is alanine, which is classified as a nonpolar, aliphatic amino acid. Alanine has a simple side chain consisting of a methyl group (-CH3), making it hydrophobic and generally insoluble in water. Understanding the structural attributes of amino acids is vital in biochemistry as they influence protein structure and function.

Which of the following best describes alanine?