Identify the correct statement among the following:
- (A)All naturally occurring amino acids except glycine contain one chiral centre.
- (B)All naturally occurring amino acids are optically active.
- (C)Glutamic acid is the only amino acid that contains a –COOH group at the side chain.
- (D)Amino acid, cysteine easily undergo dimerization due to the presence of free SH group.✓ Correct
Answer: (D)
Solution
Isoleucine and threonine each hold two stereocentres, so not every amino acid except glycine has a single chiral centre; and glycine itself is achiral and optically inactive, which disposes of the first two claims. Aspartic acid as well as glutamic acid carries a carboxyl group in its side chain, so glutamic acid is not unique in that feature. Cysteine, however, bears a free thiol that is readily oxidised, two molecules joining through a disulphide link to give cystine, so cysteine does undergo this dimerisation.
JEE Main · 2025 · 02 Apr 2025 · Shift 1 · Single correct option