Question

amino acids are named after two of their functional groups: the amino group (nh2), which acts like a base, and the carboxyl group (cooh), which acts like an acid. amino acids also contain a third functional group, often called the r group. in alanine, the r group is a methyl group (ch3). in serine, the r group is a methyl alcohol (-ch2oh). what functional groups will be joined together if alanine and serine molecules combine to form a single molecule?

Explanation:

Step1: Recall amino - acid bonding

Amino acids combine via peptide bonds. The amino group ($\text{NH}_2$) of one amino - acid reacts with the carboxyl group ($\text{COOH}$) of another amino - acid.

Step2: Identify groups in alanine and serine

Alanine and serine, like all amino acids, have an amino group and a carboxyl group. When they combine, the amino group of one will react with the carboxyl group of the other.

Answer:

The amino group of one amino - acid and the carboxyl group of the other amino - acid.