What is associated with acidic amino acids in terms of a mnemonic?

• A. Karen Rarely Hangs
• B. Her Red Dress Kills (at) Events
• C. Digestive Enzymes
• D. Good Spaghetti Always Comes (with) Tomatos

Answer: (C)

The mnemonic associated with acidic amino acids is "Her Red Dress Kills (at) Events." This phrase effectively helps in recalling the two acidic amino acids in protein structures: aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Each word of the phrase corresponds to the letter of the amino acid: "Her" for Histidine, "Red" for Arginine, "Dress" for Aspartate, "Kills" for Glutamate. The "at" has no specific amino acid association but serves as a connector, while "Events" signifies the general context of these acidic compounds.

Acidic amino acids have side chains that contain carboxyl groups, which can donate protons (H+), giving them a net negative charge under physiological conditions. This is what makes them acidic, and thus they play critical roles in protein interactions, enzyme activity, and cellular processes. Therefore, this mnemonic aids in memorizing not just the names but also the characteristics of these amino acids, reinforcing their importance in biochemistry and molecular biology contexts.