What are the nonpolar amino acids represented by "Grandma Always Visits London In May For Winstons Party"?

• A. Hydrophobic side chains
• B. Acidic side chains
• C. Basic side chains
• D. All types of side chains

Answer: (A)

The phrase "Grandma Always Visits London In May For Winstons Party" is a mnemonic that helps memorize the nonpolar amino acids, which are characterized by their hydrophobic side chains. Nonpolar amino acids, such as glycine, alanine, valine, leucine, isoleucine, methionine, phenylalanine, and tryptophan, have side chains that do not interact favorably with water. This hydrophobic nature means they tend to cluster away from the aqueous environment in biological systems, influencing protein folding and structural stability.

In contrast, the other choices refer to different categories of amino acids. Acidic side chains contain a carboxylic acid group, making them negatively charged at physiological pH, while basic side chains have amino groups that can accept protons, giving them a positive charge. The option of all types of side chains is not accurate since the mnemonic specifically categorizes only the nonpolar amino acids, not those that are polar, acidic, or basic. Therefore, the correct understanding of the mnemonic clearly points to the hydrophobic nature of the nonpolar amino acids represented by the mnemonic.