Question

What is the first amino acid of the primary structure known as?

(a) A-terminal amino acid

(b) C-terminal amino acid

(c) N-terminal amino acid

(d) L-terminal amino acid

I had been asked this question in unit test.

This intriguing question originated from Biomolecules in portion Biomolecules of Biology – Class 11

Answer 1

Correct choice is (c) N-terminal amino acid

The best I can explain: The left end of the primary or linear structure of proteins is represented by the first amino acid. The left end of the first amino acid contains the amino group and is hence called the N-terminal.