How to Tell if an Amino Acid is Polar

Learn how to determine if an amino acid is polar and why it’s important in understanding protein structure and function. Check out our guide now!
Amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and their properties greatly influence the structure and function of these biomolecules. One crucial property is whether an amino acid is polar or nonpolar. Polar amino acids interact well with water, while nonpolar amino acids do not. Understanding how to determine the polarity of an amino acid is essential in biochemistry and molecular biology. Here’s a guide to help you identify polar amino acids.
How to Tell if an Amino Acid is Polar
1. Look at the Side Chain (R Group)
The key to determining the polarity of an amino acid lies in its side chain, also known as the R group. Each amino acid has a unique side chain that gives it distinct properties.
- Polar Side Chains: These typically contain groups that can form hydrogen bonds with water. Common polar groups include hydroxyl (-OH), amide (-CONH2), and thiol (-SH). Side chains with these groups are generally hydrophilic (water-loving).
- Nonpolar Side Chains: These are usually composed of hydrocarbons (chains or rings of carbon and hydrogen atoms), making them hydrophobic (water-fearing). Examples include alkyl groups and aromatic rings.
2. Identify Specific Polar Groups
Certain functional groups in the side chain can indicate that an amino acid is polar. Here are some key groups to look for:
- Hydroxyl Group (-OH): Found in serine (Ser) and threonine (Thr).
- Amide Group (-CONH2): Present in asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln).
- Thiols (-SH): Seen in cysteine (Cys).
3. Recognize Polar Amino Acids
For quick reference, here is a list of common polar amino acids:
- Serine (Ser)
- Threonine (Thr)
- Asparagine (Asn)
- Glutamine (Gln)
- Tyrosine (Tyr)
- Cysteine (Cys)
These amino acids have side chains capable of forming hydrogen bonds with water, making them polar.
4. Use a Polarity Chart
Polarity charts and tables, available in many biochemistry textbooks and online resources, categorize amino acids based on their polarity. These charts can be handy tools for quickly identifying polar and nonpolar amino acids.
5. Consider the Environment
While the side chain’s chemical structure is the primary determinant of polarity, the environment in which the amino acid is located can influence its behavior. For example, amino acids in the interior of a protein might behave differently compared to those exposed to an aqueous environment.
Classification of amino acids
Amino acids , according to the characteristics of their radical group, are divided by their ionization, polarity and reactivity, into:
- Neutral amino acids . Its side chain does not have carboxyl or amino groups and, therefore, at neutral pH its net electric charge is 0. They can be:
- Polar neutrals . Their side chain has hydrophilic groups with which it can form hydrogen bonds with polar molecules, so they are soluble in water.
- Nonpolar neutrals . Its long hydrocarbon side chain is hydrophobic, and is less soluble in water.
- Acidic amino acids : the R group carries an acid group ( carboxyl ), so that at neutral pH, they have a negative charge, since that group gives off H + .
- Basic amino acids : when the R group carries a basic group ( amino ), such that at neutral pH, they have a positive electrical charge (takes H + ).